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environmental and biological atlas of the gulf of 2017

gulf states marine commission

number 284 february 2019 seamap SEAMAP ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL ATLAS OF THE , 2017

Edited by

Jeffrey K. Rester Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission

Manuscript Design and Layout

Ashley P. Lott Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission

GULF STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION FEBRUARY 2019 NUMBER 284

This project was supported in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, under State/Federal Project Number NA16NMFS4350111. GULF STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS

ALABAMA Chris Blankenship John Roussel Alabama Department of Conservation 1221 Plains Port Hudson Road and Natural Resources Zachary, LA 70791 64 North Union Street Montgomery, AL 36130-1901 MISSISSIPPI Joe Spraggins, Executive Director Representative Steve McMillan Mississippi Department of Marine Resources P.O. Box 337 1141 Bayview Avenue Minette, AL 36507 Biloxi, MS 39530

Chris Nelson TBA Bon Secour Fisheries, Inc. P.O. Box 60 Joe Gill, Jr. Bon Secour, AL 36511 Joe Gill Consulting, LLC 910 Desoto Street Springs, MS 39566-0535 Eric Sutton FL and Wildlife Conservation Commission TEXAS 620 South Meridian Street Carter Smith, Executive Director Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 4200 Smith School Road Representative Jay Trumbull Austin, TX 78744 State of Florida House of Representatives 402 South Monroe Street Troy B. Williamson, II Tallahassee, FL 32399 P.O. Box 967 Corpus Christi, TX 78403 TBA Representative Wayne Faircloth LOUISIANA Texas House of Representatives Jack Montoucet, Secretary 2121 Market Street, Suite 205 LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Galveston, TX 77550 P.O. Box 98000 Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000

Senator R.L. “Bret” Allain, II 600 Main Street, Suite 1 Franklin, LA 70538

STAFF David M. Donaldson Executive Director

Nancy K. Marcellus Joseph P. Ferrer, III Lloyd W. Kirk Cheryl R. Noble Douglas J. Snyder Debora K. McIntyre Steven J. VanderKooy Deanna L. Valentine Alyce R. Wilhelm Jeffrey K. Rester Donna B. Bellais Angela R. Rabideau Gregory S. Bray James R. Ballard Ashley P. Lott

SEAMAP SUBCOMMITTEE

Dr. Ted Switzer, Chairman Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Dr. Christian Jones Mr. Brett Falterman National Marine Fisheries Service Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Pascagoula Laboratory Fisheries Mr. John Mareska Mrs. Jill Hendon Alabama Department of Conservation and USM/Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Natural Resources/ Marine Resources Division

Dr. Fernando Martinez-Andrade Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Dr. John Froeschke Gulf of Mexico Management Council

Mr. Jeff Rester SEAMAP Coordinator Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission

DATA COORDINATING WORK GROUP

Mr. Lloyd Kirk, Leader Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission

Mr. David Hanisko Mr. John Anderson National Marine Fisheries Service USM/Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Pascagoula Laboratory Mr. Michael Murphy Mr. Charles Weber Florida Fish and Wildlife National Marine Fisheries Service Conservation Commission Pascagoula Laboratory Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Mr. Michael Harden Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries INTRODUCTION

The Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) is a State/Federal/university program for the collection, management, and dissemination of fishery-independent data (information collected without direct reliance on statistics reported by commercial or recreational fishermen) in waters of the Gulf of Mexico (Eldridge 1988). A major SEAMAP objective is to provide a large, standardized database needed by management agencies, industry, and scientists to make sound management decisions and further develop fishery resources in a cost-efficient manner. To accomplish this goal, survey data must be disseminated in a useful format to SEAMAP participants, cooperators, and other interested organizations.

The SEAMAP Program began in March 1981 when the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), presented a SEAMAP Strategic Plan (1981) to the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC). This strategic plan outlined the proposed program organization (goals, objectives, procedures, resource requirements, etc.). A SEAMAP Subcommittee was then formed within the existing framework of the GSMFC. The Subcommittee consists of one representative from each state fishery management agency [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR); Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) represented by the University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (USM/GCRL); Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF); and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)], one from NMFS SEFSC and a non-voting member representing the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC). The Subcommittee has organized and successfully coordinated numerous resource surveys from 1982 through 2017 (Table 1). The resultant data are published in atlases for the surveys in 1982 (Stuntz et al. 1985); 1983 (Thompson and Bane 1986a); 1984 (Thompson and Bane 1986b); 1985 (Thompson et al. 1988); 1986 (Sanders et al. 1990a); 1987 (Sanders et al. 1990b); 1988 (Sanders et al. 1991a); 1989 (Sanders et al. 1991b); 1990 (Sanders et al. 1992); 1991 (Donaldson et al. 1993); 1992 (Donaldson et al. 1994); 1993 (Donaldson et al. 1996); 1994 (Donaldson et al. 1997a); 1995 (Donaldson et al. 1997b); 1996 (Donaldson et al. 1998); 1997 (Rester et al. 1999); 1998 (Rester et al. 2000); 1999 (Rester et al. 2001); 2000 (Rester et al. 2002); 2001 (Rester et al. 2004); 2002 (Rester et al. 2008); 2003 (Rester et al. 2009a); 2004 (Rester 2009b); 2005 (Rester 2010a); 2006 (Rester 2010b); 2007 (Rester 2010c); 2008 (Rester 2011a); 2009 (Rester 2011b); 2010 (Rester 2012); 2011 (Rester 2014); 2012 (Rester 2014), 2013 (Rester 2015), 2014 (Rester 2017a), 2015 (Rester 2017b) and 2016 (Rester 2017c). Environmental assessment activities that occurred with each of the surveys can be found in Table 1. All data are available to researchers or interested individuals. Details about how to obtain SEAMAP data can be found in the Data Request section of this document.

In early 2017, the SEAMAP Subcommittee identified and began to plan the year's SEAMAP survey activities for the Gulf of Mexico. In keeping with the program goal of establishing a coordinated long-term resource database, it was decided to continue the same types of survey activities conducted in 1982 through 2016. Overall survey objectives in 1982 to 2017 were to assess the distribution and abundance of recreational and commercial organisms collected by , video, bottom longlines, hook and line, and trawl gears, and document environmental factors that might affect their distribution and abundance. Data from plankton surveys are used for detection and assessment of fishery resources; in the determination of spawning seasons and areas; in investigations of early survival and recruitment mechanisms; and in estimation of the abundance of a stock based on its spawning production (Sherman et al. 1983). Assessment of the Texas Closure (Nichols 1982, 1984; Nichols and Poffenberger 1987) was the rationale for the

1 establishment of the trawl surveys and to establish a seasonal database to assess the abundance and distribution of the and groundfish stocks across the northern Gulf of Mexico. The Fish Survey was designed to determine the relative abundance of reef fish populations and using a video recording system (Russell, unpublished report).

A major purpose of SEAMAP is to provide resource survey data to State and Federal management agencies and universities participating in SEAMAP activities. This thirty-sixth in a series of SEAMAP environmental and biological atlases presents such data, in a summarized form, collected during the 2017 SEAMAP surveys.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methodology for the 2017 SEAMAP surveys is similar to that of the 1982 through 2016 surveys. Sampling was conducted within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and state territorial waters. The NOAA Ship OREGON II collected plankton and environmental data during the Spring Plankton Survey from April 29 – May 29. Vessels that participated in collecting plankton and environmental data during the Fall Plankton Survey included the NOAA Ship GORDON GUNTER (September 5-30) and the Louisiana vessel R/V DEFENDER (September 16-17).

Vessels that participated in the Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey included the USM/GCRL vessel R/V TOMMY MUNRO (May 30 – June 1), Florida using the R/V TOMMY MUNRO (June 7-24), Louisiana using the R/V POINT SUR (June 26-28), the NOAA Ship OREGON II (June 9 – July 19) and the Alabama vessel R/V ALABAMA DISCOVERY (June 26-27 and June 30).

The NOAA ship PISCES participated in the Reef Fish Survey from April 11 – June 15. Florida conducted several reef fish cruises aboard the R/V GULF MARINER (May 18 – August 4), R/V TOMMY MUNRO (June 24-29), and the R/V WEATHERBIRD II (June 27 – July 4).

Vessels that participated in the Fall Shrimp/Groundfish Survey included the NOAA Ships OREGON II (October 12 – November 20), the USM/GCRL vessel R/V TOMMY MUNRO (November 6-8), Florida using the R/V TOMMY MUNRO (October 14-22), the Louisiana vessel R/V POINT SUR (November 15-16), and the Alabama vessel R/V ALABAMA DISCOVERY (October 26).

Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas conducted bottom longline sampling monthly from April to October as part of the Bottom Longline Survey.

Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas sampled reef fish over artificial reefs, oil and gas platforms, and natural habitat from April through November during the Vertical Line Survey.

PLANKTON SURVEYS

Since 1982, SEAMAP resource surveys have been conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service in cooperation with the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Plankton sampling is carried out during these surveys at predetermined SEAMAP stations arranged in a fixed, systematic grid pattern across the entire Gulf of Mexico. Most but not all SEAMAP stations (designated by a unique SEAMAP number) are located at ~56 km or ½-degree intervals along this grid. Some SEAMAP stations are located at < 56 km intervals especially along the continental shelf edge, while others have been moved to avoid obstructions, navigational

2 hazards, or shallow water. Most SEAMAP plankton samples are taken during dedicated plankton surveys, but over the years additional samples were taken using SEAMAP gear and collection methods at locations other than designated SEAMAP stations and/or outside established SEAMAP surveys, e.g. during Louisiana seasonal trawl surveys, SEAMAP /Butterfish survey; and other serendipitous or special projects.

The sampling gear and methodology used to collect SEAMAP plankton samples are similar to those recommended by Kramer et al. (1972), Smith and Richardson (1977) and Posgay and Marak (1980). A 61 cm bongo net fitted with 0.333 (0.335)1 mm mesh netting is fished in an oblique tow path from a maximum depth of 200 m or to 2-5 m off the bottom at depths less than 200 m. A mechanical flowmeter is mounted off-center in the mouth of each bongo net to record the volume of water filtered. Volume filtered ranges from ~20 to 600 m3, but is typically 30 to 40 m3 at the shallowest stations and 300 to 400 m3 at the deepest stations. A single or double 2x1 m pipe frame neuston net fitted with 0.947 (0.950)1 mm mesh netting is towed at the surface with the frame half- submerged for 10 minutes. Samples are taken upon arrival on station regardless of time of day. At each station either a bongo and/or neuston tow are made depending on the specific survey. Samples are routinely preserved in 5 to 10% formalin and later transferred after 48 hours to 95% ethanol for long-term storage. During some surveys, selected samples are preserved initially in 95% ethanol and later transferred to fresh ethanol.

Initial processing of one bongo sample and one neuston sample from each SEAMAP station was accomplished at the Sea Fisheries Institute, Plankton Sorting and Identification Center (ZSIOP), in Szczecin, Poland, under a Joint Studies Agreement with NMFS. Wet plankton volumes of bongo net samples were measured by displacement to estimate net-caught biomass (Smith and Richardson 1977). Fish and larvae were removed from bongo net samples, and fish larvae only from neuston net samples. Fish eggs were not identified further, but larvae were identified to the lowest possible taxon (to in most cases). Body length (either notochord or standard length) was measured.

Sorted ichthyoplankton specimens from ZSIOP were sent to the SEAMAP Archiving Center, managed in conjunction with the FWC, for long-term storage under museum conditions. Sorted ichthyoplankton samples from 1982 through 2017 are available for loan to researchers throughout the country. The alternate bongo and neuston samples from each station are retained at USM/GCRL as a backup for those samples transshipped to ZSIOP in case of loss or damage during transit. These backup unsorted plankton samples are curated and housed at the SEAMAP Plankton Archiving Center, managed in conjunction with USM/GCRL, and are available for use by researchers.

See the SEAMAP Operations Manual for a more detailed description of sampling methods and protocols. You can also refer to the vessel cruise reports for more specific information on the individual SEAMAP Plankton Surveys conducted during 2017.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

Standardized methodology was used although the actual parameters measured varied among vessels participating in each survey. These parameters were measured based on equipment availability. The following parameters were recorded:

1 Mesh size change in database does not represent an actual change in gear but only a change in the accuracy at which plankton mesh aperture size can be measured by the manufacturer.

3

Vessel: Vessel code for each vessel. Station: Station identifiers varied by state and vessel. Cruise: Cruise numbers varied by state and vessels. Date: Month/Day/Year. Time: Local time and time zone, recorded at the start of sampling. Latitude/longitude: Recorded to seconds. Barometric pressure: Recorded in millibars. Wave height: Estimated visually in meters. Wind speed and direction: Recorded in knots with direction recorded in compass degrees from which the wind was blowing. Air temperature: Recorded in degrees Celsius. Cloud cover: Estimated visually in percent cloud cover. Secchi depth: Secchi depth in meters, estimated at each daylight station. Standard oceanographic 30-cm white discs were lowered until no longer visible, and then raised until visible. If different depths were recorded, an average was used. Water Color: Gross water color data were recorded.

The following parameters were measured at the surface, mid-depth, and bottom; for bottom depths greater than 200 m, samples were taken at surface, 100 m and 200 m:

Water temperature: Temperatures were measured by in situ electronic sensors onboard ship. No attempt was made to intercalibrate the various instruments used on individual vessels although several vessels did sample together to calibrate other sampling gear. Some error can be expected. Salinity: Salinity samples were collected by Niskin bottles and stored for laboratory analysis with a salinometer. Conductivity probes or refractometers were used on some vessels. Salinity samples were also measured with in situ electronic sensors. Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll samples were collected and frozen for later laboratory analysis. The general procedure for shipboard collection of chlorophyll was to collect more than 9 liters of water from the surface. This was kept stirred by bubbling air through it while filtration was being done. Three samples, to each of which a 1 ml, 1% (W/V), suspension of MgCO3 was added, of up to 3 liters of water from the 9 liter sample were filtered through GF/C filters. The three filters were placed individually in Petri dishes, wrapped in opaque material and frozen until analysis. Each of the three samples was analyzed separately in the laboratory.

Laboratory analyses for chlorophyll a and phaeophytin a (chlorophyll degradation product) were conducted by fluorometry and spectrophotometry. The general extraction procedures prior to measurement were similar. Samples analyzed by spectrophotometer included other chlorophyllous products, but these have not been included as data in this report. The methodology used is described in Strickland and Parsons (1972) and Jeffrey and Humphrey (1975). Some of the values have been deleted from the database because of analytical errors. In addition, chlorophyll samples data were also collected using a CTD. This method only obtains measures of chlorophyll a and is a measure of fluorescence. Dissolved oxygen: Dissolved oxygen values were measured by electronic probes or by the Winkler titration method. No attempts were made to intercalibrate the methods. When oxygen was measured in samples collected from a Niskin sampler, the oxygen bottles were allowed to overflow a minimum of 10 seconds to eliminate oxygen contamination. The tubing which delivered the water sample was inserted to the bottom of the bottle and

4 withdrawn while the sample was still flowing. The oxygen bottles were sealed with a ground-glass stopper and analyzed onboard the vessels. Turbidity: Turbidity values were measured by electronic probes when equipment was available.

TRAWL SURVEYS

Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey

In the fall of 2008, NMFS changed their method of selecting sampling sites. The states adopted this change beginning in 2010. Diurnal stratifications were dropped in the selection process, and geographic strata (which were mostly 2 to 3 statistical zone groupings) were changed to single statistical zones (Figure 1). Both station selection methods, the old and the new, are probability based designs. With probability sampling, each unit in the survey population has a known, positive probability of selection. This property of probability sampling avoids selection bias and enables one to use statistical theory to make valid inferences from the sample to the survey population. More specifically, the new method employs probability proportional to size sampling. In this of sampling, a unit’s selection probability is proportional to its size measure which in this case is geographical surface area. For example, if Unit A has twice the surface area of Unit B, then Unit A will have twice the probability of having a sample selected from it than B. The end result is that Unit A will have about twice the number of samples as B. Even though diurnal strata were dropped in the sampling site selection process, this information is not lost since samples can be post- stratified. Following is an example of how sampling sites are now selected.

Bathymetry data were downloaded from the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) web site (Divins, D.L., and D. Metzger, NGDC Coastal Relief Model, http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/coastal/coastal.html). Because of the magnitude of data, they were downloaded by single NMFS Shrimp Statistical Zones (Figure 1). The download process allows for the definition of a desired data block through user supplied latitude and longitude boundaries. Since the data definition process is controlled by latitude and longitude only, some undesired depths were included in downloads (i.e., for NMFS, depths less than five or greater than sixty fathoms). These records were deleted later through a Statistical Analysis System (SAS) program. Each bathymetric record represents a 3 arc-second element of data (≈ 0.05-by-0.05 minutes of latitude and longitude); therefore, the number of data records was used as a measure of size for each respective statistical zone. The bathymetry data were then used as input to a SAS program which performed three functions; defined the sampling universe, determined the sampling proportions according to sizes of statistical zones, and randomly selected the sample sites according to the defined proportions.

Thirty minutes was selected as a tow time standard that was long enough to obtain a good sample, but short enough to maintain the efficiency of the surveys. Therefore all SEAMAP vessels now use a standard tow time of 30 minutes.

All Litopenaeus setiferus, Farfantepenaeus aztecus, and Farfantepenaeus duorarum were separated from the trawl catch at each station. Total count and weight by were recorded for each station. A sample of up to 200 shrimp of each species from every trawl was sexed and measured to obtain length-frequency information. Estimated total numbers were derived from the total weights of those processed. Other species of fish and were identified, enumerated, and weighed. Weights and individual measurements on selected species, other than commercial shrimp, were also recorded.

5 Fall Shrimp/Groundfish Survey

The design of the Fall Survey was similar to the Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey. During the Fall Survey trawl stations were made with the standard 42-ft SEAMAP nets and covered NMFS shrimp statistical zones 2 through 21 (Figure 1). Catch rates on all the vessels sampling were treated in the same manner as the Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey, with the exception to shrimp catches where only 20 shrimp of each species from every trawl were measured.

REEF FISH SURVEY

The primary purpose of this survey is to assess relative abundance and compute population estimates of reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. For the NMFS portion of the Reef Fish Survey, a two-stage procedure was used to select sample sites on natural reef fish habitat. Sample blocks were first selected using stratified random sampling, with strata defined by region of the Gulf of Mexico and size. Reef sites within each block were then selected randomly from previously collected bathymetric data. Video gear was used to assess relative abundance and length frequencies and consisted of an orthogonal stereo camera array with four cylindrical pressure housings positioned orthogonally and center mounted 51 cm above the bottom of the array. Each of the four housings contained paired black-and-white Videre stereo cameras along with a color mpeg camera. The reef investigation and observation tower contained one 360° FOV SphereCam housing consisting of five horizontally mounted 2.3MP machine vision cameras and one vertically mounted 5MP machine vision camera as well as one of the previously mentioned stereo camera housings. The SphereCam and stereo camera housing were center mounted vertically at 96.5 cm and 53 cm above the bottom of the array, respectively. The camera arrays were baited with squid and were retrieved 30 minutes after the systems were switched on for deployment.

For the Florida portion of the survey, a survey of bottom habitat was conducted using side-scan sonar that covered a distance of 1 nm east and west of each randomly selected sampling site. Side- scan sonar data were analyzed to determine the quantity of reef habitat and number of targets where gear could be set within each 0.1 nm x 0.3 nm sampling unit. A target was defined as identified reef fish habitat with a minimum of 100 m spacing between targets. Within each survey, a random selection procedure was followed to select transects from all transects containing at least two targets. Sampling occurred at a minimum for the first selected transect followed by other transects (alternates) if time allowed. All cameras were separated from any other deployed gear by approximately 100 m. All camera arrays were freshly baited with Atlantic mackerel prior to deployment. The stationary video camera array was equipped with a pair of underwater camera units positioned at an angle of 180º from one another to maximize the total field of view. Each camera unit consisted of an underwater housing that contained computer hardware and connections to two video cameras each within underwater housings separated by 30 cm. The stationary video camera array was allowed to soak at the bottom for a minimum of thirty-five minutes to assure that twenty minutes of continuous video and stereo images were recorded.

Environmental data collected at each site includes salinity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature profiles and surface chlorophyll and may include light transmittance and fluorescence. Additional environmental observations taken on stations follow standard SEAMAP methodology.

BOTTOM LONGLINE SURVEY

Until 2014 each partner randomly selected stations off their coast independent of other states. There were discrepancies among the partners regarding number of stations sampled, the frequency

6 of sampling, the size of the sampling universe, and the depth strata targeted. In an effort to make the bottom longline data as useful as possible in federal and state stock assessments, the SEAMAP Subcommittee began an effort in 2014 to develop a standardized protocol for station selection procedures. This effort sought to better standardize the sampling effort among the partners and develop a more uniform design and resultant data set. At the March 2015 SEAMAP Subcommittee meeting, firm station selection protocols were established.

Sampling now occurs during three seasons Spring (April-May), Summer (June-July), and Fall (August-September). Sampling is conducted in waters defined by the 3-10m depth contour. NMFS Statistical Zones (Figure 1) are used as guides to ensure effective distribution of sampling effort. Stations are proportionally allocated and randomly distributed within the 3-10m depth contour in each statistical zone based on the proportion of those depths present. Since the 3-10m depth strata is smaller in some statistical zones relative to other statistical zones, each statistical zone is allocated at least two stations during each season in to ensure adequate sampling coverage. Partners usually survey the stations that occur off their state boundaries for each season. When seasonal effort cannot be accomplished due to weather or mechanical problems the partners should decrease effort proportionally across their area. The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission selects all stations for all seasons and annually distributes them to the partners.

Given the limited number of samples that can be conducted during the Bottom Longline Survey, the large area of the statistical zones, and spatial autocorrelation of most fish species, station locations are buffered 4 nautical miles. Sampling effort by each partner must have a two week buffer between consecutive seasons. For example, if the last day of spring sampling was conducted on May 30th, summer sampling should not begin until June 15th.

The longline gear consisted of a 1.6 km (426 kg test monofilament) mainline with 100 gangions (3.66 m, 332 kg test monofilament) containing #15/0 circle hooks (0 offset) and baited with Atlantic mackerel, scombrus. The mainline was weighted down with a beginning, midpoint, and endpoint weight. Radar high-flyers with strobe bullet buoys were used to mark the longline locations. A hydraulic longline reel was used for setting and retrieving the mainline. The longline was fished for 1 hour and then retrieved.

VERTICAL LINE SURVEY

The Vertical Line Survey design was standardized in 2016. The SEAMAP Subcommittee decided to divide the Gulf offshore waters between 10 and 150m into 150x150m grid blocks. Unknown habitat, known natural reef (hard bottom), presumed reef either natural or artificial, oil/gas platforms, and artificial reefs were the five habitat classifications developed by the SEAMAP Subcommittee. Each 150x150m grid block is assigned a habitat classification based upon several different datasets used to develop the sampling universe. A grid block can be classified as more than one habitat type if it has more than one habitat located within it.

For the station selection process, the total amount of habitat within the three depth zones (10-20m, 20-40m, and 40-150m) is computed. The percentage of area covered by each depth zone determines the percentage of the total stations that will be sampled within each depth zone (i.e. if a depth zone contains 40% of the total area, 40% of the total stations will be assigned to that depth zone). The total area of each habitat classification is calculated within each depth stratum. The total of each habitat classification, excluding unknown habitat, is then used to calculate the percentage of within the depth zone. This percentage is used to determine how many

7 stations are assigned to each habitat type within the depth zone. Stations are randomly selected based upon the habitat classification percentages within each depth zone.

All partners use three 22-foot backbones containing ten 18-inch gangions outfitted with either an 8/0, 11/0 or 15/0 circle hook (each backbone has only one hook size), and terminating in a 10 pound lead weight. Three bandit reels deploy the gear simultaneously on or near a reef structure and, once locked in at depth, are allowed to fish for 5 minutes. All bandit reels then retrieve the lines simultaneously. Catch data are collected once the lines are onboard. Environmental data is collected upon completion of fishing at each station.

RESULTS

PLANKTON SURVEYS

Plankton stations for the Spring Plankton Survey are shown in Figure 2. Plankton stations for the Fall Plankton Survey are shown in Figure 3.

TRAWL SURVEYS

Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey

Shrimp and groundfish sampling was conducted from May through July from south Florida to Brownsville, Texas. Figure 4 shows station locations. The Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey consisted primarily of biological trawl data and concomitant environmental data. A species composition listing from the 42-ft trawls is presented in Table 2, ranked in order of abundance, within the categories of finfish, , and other invertebrates.

Fall Shrimp/Groundfish Survey

Shrimp and groundfish sampling was conducted from October through November from south Florida to Brownsville, Texas. Figure 5 shows the station locations. The Fall Shrimp/Groundfish Survey consisted of biological trawl data and concomitant environmental data. A species composition listing from the 42-ft trawls is presented in Table 3, ranked in order of abundance, within the categories of finfish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.

REAL-TIME DATA MANAGEMENT

The SEAMAP Subcommittee agreed it was imperative to the success of the SEAMAP Program to distribute data on a near real-time basis to the fishing industry and others interested in SEAMAP. Summarized data were distributed weekly to approximately 125 individuals during the Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey. The summarized data in the form of computer plots and data listings were sent to management agencies and industry members. These plots showed station locations, catches of Brown, Pink, and White Shrimp in lb/hr and count/lb, and total finfish catch in lb/hr.

REEF FISH SURVEY

Station locations are plotted in Figure 6. Video tapes from all sources were analyzed using NMFS standardized protocols.

8

BOTTOM LONGLINE SURVEY

Station locations for the Bottom Longline Survey are plotted in Figure 7. A species composition list is presented in Table 4. The species list is ranked in order of abundance.

VERTICAL LINE SURVEY

Station locations for the Vertical Line Survey are plotted in Figure 8. A species composition list, ranked in order of abundance, is presented in Table 5.

DISCUSSION

The quasisynoptic SEAMAP sampling program and the intended long-term nature of the sampling programs have been designed to provide the baseline data set needed for fishery management and conservation. In 1985, the SEAMAP long-term baseline data was disrupted by the loss of the Spring Plankton Survey. In 1986, the SEAMAP Subcommittee renewed its commitment for the collection of baseline plankton data. These ichthyoplankton samples are and will continue to be used by researchers studying , age and growth, bioenergetics, and other life history aspects, as well as spawning biomass and recruitment. Information on species’ relative distributions within the Gulf of Mexico can be analyzed with respect to environmental data to assess population abundance as a function of environmental change.

Similar analyses and investigations are being undertaken with Summer and Fall Shrimp/Groundfish Survey data. These data sets are being utilized in resource management decisions, and because of the program’s ability to process data quickly, the capability exists to optimize some fisheries on a real-time basis. The long-term data set on all of the species collected, not just those of commercial and recreational importance, offers an opportunity to examine ecological relationships, with the eventual goal of developing management models that take into account the multi-species nature of most Gulf fisheries. The value of the SEAMAP program lies in its use for both immediate and long-range management goals.

Much use has already been made of SEAMAP data. For example, during the past SEAMAP surveys an area of very low dissolved bottom oxygen was found off Louisiana in the summers of 1982, 1985-2017. The presence of this phenomenon and some of the related conditions and biological effects were reported by Leming and Stuntz (1984) and Hanifen et al. (1995), and during such occurrences, SEAMAP has distributed special environmental bulletins and news releases to management agencies and the shrimp industry. In addition, SEAMAP data were used to assist in the identification of the minimum 1997 reduction in Red Snapper shrimp trawl mortality rate that would enable the Red Snapper fishery to still recover to the 20% spawning potential ratio (SPR) by the year 2019 (Goodyear 1997). This analysis was requested and supported by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to address the issue of Red Snapper bycatch. SEAMAP data were also used by some coastal states to determine the status of shrimp stocks and their movements just as the shrimping seasons were to be opened and SEAMAP data were used to develop a guide to the species of the western North (Grace et al. 1994). The primary purpose of the guide is for species identification with projects that deploy underwater video camera systems.

9 Since SEAMAP’s inception in 1982, the goal of plankton activities in the Gulf of Mexico has been to collect data on the early life stages of and invertebrates that will complement and enhance the fishery-independent data gathered on the adult life-stage (Lyczkowski-Shultz and Brasher 1996). An annual larval index for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna and Skipjack Tuna is generated each year from the Spring Plankton Survey and is used by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Bluefin Tunas to estimate stock size (Scott et al. 1993). Larval indices generated from the Summer Shrimp/Groundfish and Fall Plankton Surveys have now become an integral part of the assessment in the Gulf (Gledhill and Lyczkowski-Shultz 2000). Larvae from SEAMAP collections have formed the basis for formal descriptions of larval development for fishes such as the snappers, Cobia, Tripletail, and Dolphin (Drass et al. 2000; Ditty and Shaw 1992; Ditty and Shaw 1993; Ditty et al. 1994). Data on distribution and relative abundance of larvae of all Gulf fishes captured during SEAMAP surveys have been summarized by Richards et al. 1984, Kelley et al. 1985, Kelley et al. 1990, and Kelley et al. 1993.

The SEAMAP data collected during the Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey continues to be used extensively for fishery management purposes. In 1981, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's plan for shrimp was implemented (Center for Wetland Resources 1980), with one management measure calling for the temporary closure to shrimping in the EEZ off Texas. This closure complements the traditional closure of the Texas territorial sea, normally May 15 through early July of each year. The GMFMC determined that this type of closure would allow small Brown Shrimp to be protected from harvest, but would still allow the taking of larger Brown Shrimp by fishermen in deeper waters.

The National Marine Fisheries Service was charged with evaluating the effects of the Texas Closure and submitted a report to the GMFMC in January 2017. This report contained the results and an overview of the effect of the 2016 Texas Closure. After review of these data and other information, the GMFMC voted to continue the Texas Closure for 2017.

Data from all SEAMAP surveys have been used in the SouthEast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) process. SEDAR is a cooperative Fishery Management Council process initiated in 2002 to improve the quality and reliability of fishery stock assessments. SEDAR seeks improvements in the scientific quality of stock assessments and greater relevance of quantities information available to address existing and emerging fishery management issues. SEAMAP data have been used in stock assessments for Greater Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Lesser Amberjack, Snowy Grouper, Speckled Hind, King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, Gray , Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, , Lane Snapper, Wenchman, Blacknose , Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Smoothhound , small coastal sharks, and Blacktip Shark.

DATA REQUESTS

It is the policy of the SEAMAP Subcommittee that all verified non-confidential SEAMAP data, collected specimens, and samples shall be available to all SEAMAP participants, other fishery researchers, and management organizations. This atlas presents, to those individuals interested in the data or specimens, a chance to review the data in a summary form.

Data and specimen requests from SEAMAP participants, cooperators and others will normally be handled on a first-come, first-served, and time-available basis. Because of personnel and funding limitations, however, certain priorities must be assigned to the data and specimen requests. These priorities are reviewed by the SEAMAP Subcommittee. For further information on SEAMAP data

10 management, see the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) Management Plan: 2016-2020 (ASMFC 2017).

Data requests and inquiries, as well as requests for plankton samples, can be made by contacting Jeff Rester, the SEAMAP Coordinator, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, 2404 Government Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564; (228) 875-5912 or via e-mail at [email protected].

11 LITERATURE CITED

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. 2017. SEAMAP Management Plan: 2016-2020. Washington, DC: ASMFC.

Center for Wetland Resources. 1980. Management plan and final environmental impact statement for the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, United States waters. Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 185 p.

Ditty, J.G. and R.F. Shaw. 1992. Larval development, distribution, and ecology of cobia Rachycentron canadum (Family: Rachycentridae), in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Fishery Bulletin. Vol. 90:668-677.

Ditty, J.G. and R.F. Shaw. 1993. Larval development of tripletail, Lobotes surinamensis (Pisces: Lobotidae), and their spatial and temporal distribution in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Fishery Bulletin. Vol. 92:33-45.

Ditty, J.G., R.F. Shaw, C.B. Grimes, and J.S. Cope. 1994. Larval development, distribution, and abundance of common dolphin, Coryphaena hippurus, and pompano dolphin, C. equiselis (Family: Coryphaenidae), in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Fishery Bulletin. Vol. 94:275- 291.

Donaldson, D.M., N.J. Sanders, and P.A. Thompson. 1993. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1991. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 29. 321 p.

Donaldson, D.M., N.J. Sanders, and P.A. Thompson. 1994. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1992. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 30. 293 p.

Donaldson, D.M., N.J. Sanders, P.A. Thompson and R. Minkler. 1996. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1993. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 34. 284 p.

Donaldson, D.M., N.J. Sanders, P.A. Thompson and R. Minkler. 1997a. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1994. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 40. 277 p.

Donaldson, D.M., N.J. Sanders, P.A. Thompson and R. Minkler. 1997b. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1995. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 41. 280 p.

Donaldson, D.M., N.J. Sanders, P.A. Thompson and D. Hanisko. 1998. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1996. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 52. 263 p.

Drass, D.M., K.L. Bootes, J. Lyczkowski-Shultz, B.H. Comyns, G.J. Holt, C.M. Riley, and R.P. Phelps. 2000. Larval development of red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, with comparisons to co-occurring snapper species. Fishery Bulletin. Vol. 98(3):507-527.

12

Eldridge, P.J. 1988. The Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP): A state-federal-university program for collection, management and dissemination of fishery- independent data and information in the southeast United States. Mar. Fish. Rev. 50(2): 29- 39.

Gledhill, C.T. and J. Lyczkowski-Shultz. 2000. Indices of larval king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla, for use in population assessment in the Gulf of Mexico. Fishery Bulletin. Vol. 98(4):684-691.

Goodyear, C.P. 1997. An evaluation of the minimum reduction in the 1997 red snapper shrimp bycatch mortality rate consistent with the 2019 recovery target. GMFMC. 14 p. + appendix.

Grace, M., K.R. Rademacher and M. Russell. 1994. Pictorial guide to the (Teleostei: Serrenidae) of the western North Atlantic. NOAA Tech. Report. NMFS 118. 46 p.

Hanifen, J.G., W.S. Perret, R.P. Allemand and T.L. Romaire. 1995. Potential impacts of hypoxia on fisheries: Louisiana=s fishery-independent data. In Proceedings of Gulf of Mexico Program=s Hypoxia Conference. November 1995, New Orleans, LA.

Jeffrey, S.W. and G.F. Humphrey. 1975. New spectrophotometric equations for determining chlorophylls a, b, c1 and c2 in higher plants, and natural phytoplankton. Biochem. Physiol. Pflanzer Bpp. 167: 191-194.

Kelley, S., T. Potthoff, W.J. Richards, L. Ejsymont and J.V. Gartner. 1985. SEAMAP 1983 - Ichthyoplankton. Larval distribution and abundance of Engraulididae, , , Lutjanidae, , , Coryphaenidae, Istiophoridae, Xiphiidae and in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Tech. Mem., NMFS-SEFC -167.

Kelley, S., J.V. Gartner, Jr., W.J. Richards and L. Ejsymont. 1990. SEAMAP 1984 & 1985 - Ichthyoplankton. Larval distribution and abundance of Carangidae, Clupeidae, Coryphaenidae, Engraulididae, , Istiophoridae, Lutjanidae, Scombridae, Serranidae, and Xiphiidae in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Tech. Mem., NMFS-SESC-317.

Kelley, S., J.V. Gartner, Jr., W.J. Richards and L. Ejsymont. 1993. SEAMAP 1986 - Ichthyoplankton. Larval distribution and abundance of Engraulididae, Carangidae, Clupeidae, Gobiidae, Lutjanidae, Serranidae, Coryphaenidae, Istiophoridae and Scombridae in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Tech. Mem., NMFS-SESC-245.

Kramer, D., M.J. Kalin, E.G. Stevens, J.R. Thrailkill and J.R. Zweifel. 1972. Collecting and processing data on fish eggs and larvae in the California Current region. NOAA Technical Report. NMFS Circular 370. 38 p.

Leming, T.D. and W.E. Stuntz. 1984. Zones of coastal hypoxia revealed by satellite scanning have implications for strategic fishing. Nature. 310 (5973): 131-138.

Lyczkowski-Shultz, J. and R. Brasher. 1996. Ichthyoplankton data summaries from SEAMAP Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Surveys. Pages 27-42 in Uses of Fishery-Independent Data. General Session Proceedings, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 35.

13 Nichols, S. 1982. Impacts of the 1981 and 1982 Texas closure on brown shrimp yields. NOAA, NMFS-SEFC. 44 p.

Nichols, S. 1984. Impacts of the 1982 and 1983 closure of the Texas FCZ on brown shrimp yields. Report to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

Nichols, S. and J.R. Poffenberger. 1987. Analysis of alternative closures for improving brown shrimp yield in the Gulf of Mexico. Report to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

Posgay, J.A. and R.R. Marak. 1980. The MARMAP bongo zooplankton samplers. J. Northw. Atl. Fish. Sci. 1: 9-99.

Rester, J.K. 2009. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2004. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 173.

Rester, J.K. 2010a. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2005. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 175.

Rester, J.K. 2010b. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2006. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 179.

Rester, J.K. 2010c. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2007. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 180.

Rester, J.K. 2011a. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2008. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 191.

Rester, J.K. 2011b. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2009. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 198.

Rester, J.K. 2012. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2010. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 206.

Rester, J.K. 2014a. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2011. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 229.

Rester, J.K. 2014b. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2012. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 237.

Rester, J.K. 2015. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2013. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 239.

Rester, J.K. 2017a. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2014. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 262.

Rester, J.K. 2017b. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2015. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 263.

14 Rester, J.K. 2017c. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2016. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 268.

Rester, J.K., N.J. Sanders, P.A. Thompson and D. Hanisko. 1999. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1997. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 63. 254 p.

Rester, J.K., N.J. Sanders, G. Pellegrin, Jr. and D. Hanisko. 2000. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1998. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 75. 243 p.

Rester, J.K., N.J. Sanders, G. Pellegrin, Jr. and D. Hanisko. 2001. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1999. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 82. 247 p.

Rester, J.K., N.J. Sanders, G. Pellegrin, Jr. and D. Hanisko. 2002. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2000. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 101. Available on CD-ROM only.

Rester, J.K., N.J. Sanders, G. Pellegrin, Jr., and D. Hanisko. 2004. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2001. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 118. Available on CD-ROM only.

Rester, J.K., N.J. Sanders, and G. Pellegrin, Jr. 2008. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2002. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 156.

Rester, J.K., N.J. Sanders, and G. Pellegrin, Jr. 2009. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 2003. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 172.

Richards, W.J., T. Potthoff, S. Kelley, M.F. McGowan, L. Ejsymont, J.H. Power and R.M. Olvera L. 1984. SEAMAP 1982 - Ichthyoplankton. Larval distribution and abundance of Engraulididae, Carangidae, Clupeidae, Lutjanidae, Serranidae, Sciaenidae, Coryphaenidae, Istiophoridae, Xiphiidae and Scombridae in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Tech. Mem., NMFS- SEFC-167.

Russell, G.M. Unpublished report. Reef fish assessment methodology for SEAMAP surveys of hardbottom areas. National Marine Fisheries Service. 25 p.

Sanders, N.J., P.A. Thompson and T. Van Devender. 1990a. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1986. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 20. 328 p.

Sanders, N.J., P.A. Thompson and D.M. Donaldson. 1990b. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1987. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 22. 337 p.

Sanders, N.J., D.M. Donaldson and P.A. Thompson. 1991a. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1988. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 23. 320 p.

15 Sanders, N.J., D.M. Donaldson and P.A. Thompson. 1991b. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1989. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 25. 318 p.

Sanders, N.J., D.M. Donaldson and P.A. Thompson. 1992. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1990. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 27. 311 p.

Scott, G.P., S.C. Turner, C.B. Grimes, W.J. Richards, and E.B. Brothers. 1993. Indices of larval bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus, abundance in the Gulf of Mexico: modeling variability in growth, mortality, and gear selectivity. Bulletin of Marine Science. Vol. 53(2):912-929.

Sherman, K., R. Lasker, W. Richards and A.W. Kendall, Jr. 1983. Ichthyoplankton and fish recruitment studies in large marine . Mar. Fish. Rev. 45 (10, 11, 12): 1-25.

Smith, P.E. and S.L. Richardson, eds. 1977. Standard techniques for pelagic fish and surveys. FAO Fish. Tech. Paper 175. 100 p.

Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) Strategic Plan. 1981. Report to the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. 50 p.

Strickland, J.D.H. and T.R. Parsons. 1972. A practical handbook of seawater analysis. Ottawa: Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 310 p.

Stuntz, W.E., C.E. Bryan, K. Savastano, R.S. Waller and P.A. Thompson. 1985. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1982. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. 145 p.

Thompson, P.A. and N. Bane. 1986a. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1983. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 13. 179 p.

Thompson, P.A. and N. Bane. 1986b. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1984. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 15. 171 p.

Thompson, P.A., T. Van Devender and N.J. Sanders, Jr. 1988. SEAMAP environmental and biological atlas of the Gulf of Mexico, 1985. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No. 17. 338 p.

16 Table 1. List of SEAMAP survey activities from 1982 to 2017. SEAMAP SURVEY ACTIVITIES WINTER SPRING SPRING SUMMER FALL YEAR SHRIMP/GROUNDFISH PLANKTON SHRIMP/GROUNDFISH SHRIMP/GROUNDFISH BUTTERFISH PLANKTON 1982 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- -- 1983 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- -- 1984 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST 1985 ------JUNE-JULY JULY-AUGUST SEPTEMBER 1986 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY MAY-JUNE SEPTEMBER 1987 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER 1988 -- MARCH-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1989 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1990 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1991 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1992 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-OCTOBER 1993 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1994 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1995 -- APRIL-JUNE -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER 1996 -- APRIL-JUNE -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1997 -- APRIL-JUNE -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1998 -- APRIL-JUNE -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1999 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2000 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2001 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-OCTOBER 2002 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-OCTOBER 2003 -- MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-OCTOBER 2004 -- APRIL-JUNE -- JUNE-JULY -- SEPTEMBER 2005 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-AUGUST -- -- 2006 -- APRIL-MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2007 -- MARCH-JUNE -- JUNE-AUGUST -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2008 -- APRIL-JUNE APRIL JUNE-AUGUST -- SEPTEMBER 2009 JANUARY-FEBRUARY APRIL-JUNE MARCH JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2010 FEBRUARY APRIL-MAY APRIL JUNE-AUGUST -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2011 FEBRUARY MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2012 -- APRIL-MAY -- MAY-JULY -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 -- MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2014 -- MAY -- JUNE-JULY -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015 -- MAY -- MAY-JULY -- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2016 -- APRIL-MAY -- MAY-JULY -- SEPTEMBER 2017 -- APRIL-MAY -- MAY-JULY -- SEPTEMBER

17 Table 1. List of SEAMAP survey activities from 1982 to 2017 (continued). SEAMAP SURVEY ACTIVITIES FALL WINTER BOTTOM VERTICAL REEF YEAR SHRIMP/GROUNDFISH PLANKTON LONGLINE LINE FISH 1982 ------1983 -- DECEMBER -- -- 1984 -- DECEMBER -- -- 1985 SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER ------1986 OCTOBER-DECEMBER ------1987 SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER ------1988 OCTOBER-DECEMBER ------1989 OCTOBER-DECEMBER ------1990 OCTOBER-DECEMBER ------1991 SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER ------1992 OCTOBER-DECEMBER -- -- MAY-JUNE 1993 OCTOBER-DECEMBER JANUARY-FEBRUARY -- MAY-JULY, SEPT., NOV. 1994 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER -- -- MAY-JULY, AUG.-OCT., DEC. 1995 OCTOBER-DECEMBER -- -- JAN., JUNE-AUG., DEC. 1996 OCTOBER-DECEMBER DECEMBER -- JULY, AUGUST, NOVEMBER 1997 OCTOBER-DECEMBER -- -- JUNE, JULY, AUG., NOV. 1998 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER -- -- MAY, JULY, AUGUST 1999 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER -- -- JAN., AUG., OCT., DEC. 2000 OCTOBER-DECEMBER -- -- OCTOBER, NOVEMBER 2001 OCTOBER-DECEMBER -- -- MAY, JUNE, OCTOBER 2002 OCTOBER-DECEMBER -- -- FEBRUARY-MAY, OCTOBER 2003 OCTOBER-DECEMBER -- -- OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2004 OCTOBER-DECEMBER JANUARY -- FEBRUARY-MARCH 2005 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER -- -- FEBRUARY-JULY, OCTOBER 2006 OCTOBER-DECEMBER -- -- FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2007 OCTOBER-DECEMBER -- -- FEBRUARY-MAY 2008 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER FEBRUARY-MARCH MARCH-OCTOBER FEBRUARY-AUGUST 2009 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER FEBRUARY-MARCH MARCH-OCTOBER APRIL-AUGUST 2010 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER FEBRUARY-MARCH MARCH-OCTOBER APRIL-DECEMBER MARCH-SEPTEMBER 2011 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER -- MARCH-OCTOBER MAY-DECEMBER APRIL-JULY 2012 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER JANUARY-FEBRUARY MARCH-OCTOBER MARCH-OCTOBER JANUARY-AUGUST 2013 OCTOBER-DECEMBER FEBRUARY MARCH-OCTOBER FEBRUARY-OCTOBER FEBRUARY-OCTOBER 2014 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER -- MARCH-OCTOBER MAY-OCTOBER MAY-SEPTEMBER 2015 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER MARCH-APRIL APRIL-OCTOBER MAY-OCTOBER MAY-OCTOBER 2016 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER -- APRIL-SEPTEMBER APRIL-OCTOBER APRIL-SEPTEMBER 2017 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER -- APRIL-SEPTEMBER APRIL-NOVEMBER APRIL-AUGUST

18 Table 2. 2017 Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey species composition list, 342 trawl stations, for those vessels that used a 40-ft trawl. Species with a total weight of less than 0.0227 kg (0.05 lb) are indicated on the table as 0.0 kg.

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY /SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE

Finfishes

Micropogonias undulatus Atlantic Croaker 71430 2458.2 128 37.4 Stenotomus caprinus Longspine Porgy 11005 400.8 130 38 Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic Bumper 8505 275.4 96 28.1 Prionotus longispinosus Bigeye Searobin 6081 78.7 140 40.9 Syacium papillosum Dusky Flounder 5713 291.8 143 41.8 Leiostomus xanthurus Spot 5638 446.1 73 21.3 Lagodon rhomboides Pinfish 4253 289 150 43.9 Lutjanus synagris Lane Snapper 3636 476.6 98 28.7 Stephanolepis hispida Planehead 3586 56.2 112 32.7 Peprilus burti Gulf Butterfish 3499 255.1 91 26.6 lepturus Atlantic 3232 70.9 88 25.7 brasiliensis Largescale Lizardfish 3190 13.6 88 25.7 Cynoscion nothus Silver Seatrout 3133 87.4 80 23.4 Upeneus parvus Dwarf 2756 58.1 88 25.7 Haemulon aurolineatum Tomtate 2697 236.5 87 25.4 Cynoscion arenarius Sand Seatrout 2467 113.3 97 28.4 foetens 2425 257.4 240 70.2 Trachurus lathami Rough Scad 2360 53.8 80 23.4 Syacium gunteri Shoal Flounder 2049 35.5 95 27.8 Pristipomoides aquilonaris Wenchman 1935 87.6 88 25.7 Eucinostomus gula Silver Jenny 1675 70 47 13.7 Diplectrum formosum Sand Perch 1625 172.9 135 39.5 calcarata Smoothhead Scorpionfish 1523 38.2 57 16.7 atrobranchus Blackear Bass 1490 17.5 77 22.5 Larimus fasciatus Banded Drum 1159 44.9 55 16.1 Prionotus stearnsi Shortwing Searobin 1121 14 62 18.1 myops Bluntnose Lizardfish 1102 80 90 26.3

19 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Haemulon plumierii White Grunt 1041 135.1 24 7 Harengula jaguana Scaled Herring 1028 43.3 56 16.4 Centropristis philadelphicus Rock Sea Bass 957 45.9 113 33 proridens 913 169.5 51 14.9 Trichopsetta ventralis Sash Flounder 890 17.2 54 15.8 Anchoa hepsetus Broad-striped Anchovy 804 13.7 47 13.7 Stellifer lanceolatus Star Drum 788 9.9 21 6.1 Synodus poeyi 714 7.2 94 27.5 Halieutichthys 712 4.3 55 16.1 Decapterus punctatus Round Scad 706 27.2 45 13.2 Lutjanus campechanus Red Snapper 705 196.7 136 39.8 quadricornis Scrawled Cowfish 700 107.2 97 28.4 Synodus macrostigmus Largespot Lizardfish 663 49.6 69 20.2 Citharichthys spilopterus Bay Whiff 621 6.5 37 10.8 robinsi Twospot Flounder 574 19.4 71 20.8 Diplectrum bivittatum Dwarf Sand Perch 569 12.9 56 16.4 ciliatus Fringed Filefish 548 13.2 44 12.9 Bellator militaris Horned Searobin 526 6.8 36 10.5 Scorpaena brasiliensis Barbfish 509 54.2 54 15.8 Serranus phoebe Tattler 503 18.1 28 8.2 Rhomboplites aurorubens Vermilion Snapper 496 60.2 68 19.9 Selene setapinnis Atlantic Moonfish 475 40.9 67 19.6 Sphoeroides dorsalis Marbled Puffer 454 24.1 70 20.5 Cyclopsetta chittendeni Mexican Flounder 440 43 68 19.9 Lion Fishes 410 79.9 55 16.1 Saurida normani Shortjaw Lizardfish 404 27.8 23 6.7 Equetus lanceolatus Jackknife Fish 403 34.3 80 23.4 Prionotus roseus Bluespotted Searobin 382 10.9 43 12.6 Sphoeroides parvus Least Puffer 377 2 37 10.8 Etropus crossotus Fringed Flounder 361 5.2 54 15.8 Lepophidium brevibarbe Blackedge Cusk- 353 12.2 42 12.3

20 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Orthopristis chrysoptera Pigfish 346 37.9 30 8.8 Sphoeroides spengleri Bandtail Puffer 322 13.8 61 17.8 Prionotus scitulus Leopard Searobin 294 12.3 23 6.7 Symphurus plagiusa Blackcheek 274 8.2 41 12 Prionotus rubio Blackfin Searobin 272 17.4 45 13.2 Scorpaena agassizii Longfin Scorpionfish 254 9.2 21 6.1 schoepfii Orange Filefish 244 135.5 43 12.6 Calamus arctifrons Grass Porgy 239 24.9 10 2.9 Cynoscion Sea Trout 227 0.3 14 4.1 Lepophidium jeannae Mottled Cusk-eel 225 12.3 25 7.3 Prionotus martis Barred Searobin 223 8.4 23 6.7 Porichthys plectrodon Atlantic Midshipman 218 6 68 19.9 Eucinostomus argenteus Spotfin Mojarra 211 5.9 12 3.5 Serranus notospilus Saddle Bass 199 1.6 9 2.6 holbrookii Bank Cusk-eel 197 21.4 35 10.2 auratus Red Goatfish 194 10.8 24 7 Centropristis ocyurus Bank Sea Bass 190 12.6 32 9.4 Syacium micrurum Channel Flounder 178 4.8 21 6.1 Prionotus paralatus Mexican Searobin 172 5.9 19 5.6 Ogcocephalus pantostictus Spotted Batfish 170 7.3 31 9.1 umbrosus Cubbyu 167 7.5 31 9.1 Sardinella aurita Round Sardinella 151 5.7 27 7.9 Anchoa mitchilli Bay Anchovy 139 0.2 13 3.8 Nicholsina usta Emerald Parrotfish 134 12.9 29 8.5 Eucinostomus harengulus Tidewater Mojarra 125 6.9 22 6.4 Haemulon striatum Striped Grunt 125 5.1 9 2.6 Prionotus ophryas Bandtail Searobin 124 8.8 46 13.5 Halieutichthys aculeatus Pancake Batfish 119 1.4 33 9.6 Opisthonema oglinum Atlantic Thread Herring 111 10.1 25 7.3 Pterois volitans Lion Fish 110 21.2 21 6.1 Chaetodon ocellatus Spotfin 110 9 36 10.5

21 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Chaetodon sedentarius Reef Butterflyfish 102 2 12 3.5 Aluterus scriptus Scrawled Filefish 101 8.2 13 3.8 Jewsharp Drummer 99 14.3 15 4.4 Lutjanus griseus Gray Snapper 99 32.5 27 7.9 Etrumeus teres Atlantic Red Herring 92 0.9 6 1.8 Ariopsis felis Hardhead Catfish 88 16.7 14 4.1 Sand Diver 86 9.3 26 7.6 Apogon affinis Bigtooth Cardinalfish 84 0.7 12 3.5 Citharichthys macrops Spotted Whiff 83 3.5 27 7.9 Balistes capriscus Gray Triggerfish 82 21.8 42 12.3 saxicola Honeycomb Moray 81 9.8 41 12 Bollmannia communis Ragged Goby 75 0.2 17 5 Xyrichtys novacula Pearly Razorfish 71 3.5 28 8.2 Kathetostoma albigutta Lancer Stargazer 70 2.7 31 9.1 Lagocephalus laevigatus Smooth Puffer 65 1.8 29 8.5 radiosus Big-eyed 64 0.5 28 8.2 Pagrus pagrus Red Porgy 64 11.7 18 5.3 Brevoortia patronus Gulf 64 6.1 15 4.4 Cyclopsetta fimbriata Spotfin Flounder 63 8.6 33 9.6 Calamus penna Sheepshead Porgy 61 6.8 4 1.2 Lachnolaimus maximus Hogfish 60 18 11 3.2 Prionotus tribulus Bighead Searobin 58 3.7 19 5.6 Apogon quadrisquamatus Sawcheek Cardinalfish 55 0.2 4 1.2 Ogcocephalus cubifrons Polka-dot Batfish 55 2.2 4 1.2 Epinephelus morio Red Grouper 53 22.1 22 6.4 Ophidion holbrookii Longnose Cusk-eel 51 3.7 10 2.9 Etropus rimosus Gray Flounder 50 0.8 9 2.6 Symphurus diomedeanus Spottedfin Tonguefish 50 1.8 18 5.3 Rhynchoconger flavus Yellow 46 2.4 17 5 Sphoeroides nephelus Southern Puffer 45 4.4 18 5.3 Pontinus longispinis Longspine Scorpionfish 44 1.1 7 2

22 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Prionotus alatus Spiny Searobin 43 1.1 12 3.5 Etropus cyclosquamus Shelf Flounder 42 0.4 8 2.3 Canthigaster rostrata Sharpnose Puffer 41 0.4 10 2.9 Synodus Fishes 41 1.7 6 1.8 Calamus 41 10.9 2 0.6 Apogon aurolineatus Bridle Cardinalfish 41 0.4 7 2 Paralichthys lethostigma 40 13.5 20 5.8 Steindachneria argentea Luminous Hake 39 0.1 1 0.3 Chaetodipterus faber Atlantic Spadefish 39 7.6 16 4.7 Ogcocephalus declivirostris Slantbrow Batfish 38 0.6 12 3.5 Ancylopsetta ommata Ocellated Flounder 36 6.5 25 7.3 crysos Blue Runner 36 7 15 4.4 Ogcocephalus parvus Roughback Batfish 36 0.6 18 5.3 Ophidion antipholus Longnose Cusk-eel 34 2.2 8 2.3 Sphyraena borealis Northern Sennet 34 5.4 1 0.3 Diplectrum Perch 34 0.2 3 0.9 Brotula barbata Bearded Brotula 34 3.3 18 5.3 Bothus ocellatus 32 0.6 13 3.8 Chilomycterus schoepfii Burrfish 32 9.1 21 6.1 puellaris Red Hogfish 32 1.2 9 2.6 Ophidion josephi Crested Cusk-eel 31 1.2 10 2.9 Urophycis floridana Southern Codling 31 2.3 12 3.5 Hoplunnis macrura Freckled Pike-conger 30 0.2 7 2 Symphurus urospilus Spottail Tonguefish 30 1 8 2.3 Calamus nodosus 29 6.4 11 3.2 Peprilus paru Harvestfish 29 0.8 7 2 Mulloidichthys martinicus Yellow Goatfish 28 1.7 1 0.3 bermudensis Blue Angelfish 27 13 14 4.1 intermedius Anchor 27 2.3 10 2.9 Bairdiella chrysoura Silver Perch 27 0.5 1 0.3 Ancylopsetta dilecta Three-eye Flounder 27 1.8 13 3.8

23 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Antennarius striatus Striated Frogfish 26 0.2 7 2 Raja texana Roundel Skate 26 8.7 24 7 Chromis enchrysura Yellowtail Reeffish 25 0.5 9 2.6 Saurida caribbaea Smallscale Lizardfish 25 0.1 2 0.6 Paralichthys albigutta Gulf Flounder 22 10.3 16 4.7 Sphyrna tiburo Bonnethead 22 74.8 4 1.2 Trinectes maculatus Hogchoker 21 0.3 5 1.5 melas Naked Sole 21 0.6 7 2 Hemanthias leptus Longtail Bass 21 0.2 4 1.2 Priacanthus arenatus Bigeye 21 3.1 16 4.7 Rypticus bistrispinus Freckled Soapfish 20 0.3 14 4.1 Calamus bajonado Jolthead Porgy 19 30.1 6 1.8 Polydactylus octonemus Atlantic Threadfin 19 0.8 2 0.6 Pareques iwamotoi Blackbar Drum 19 0.9 9 2.6 Paralichthys squamilentus Broad Flounder 17 7 10 2.9 Anchoa lyolepis Dusky Anchovy 17 0 2 0.6 Engyophrys senta Spiny Flounder 17 0.1 11 3.2 Ogcocephalus cubifrons Polka-dot Batfish 17 5 11 3.2 Gastropsetta frontalis Shrimp Flounder 17 1.7 14 4.1 Otophidium omostigma Polka-dot Cusk-eel 16 0.1 5 1.5 Pomacanthus arcuatus Gray Angelfish 16 5.2 9 2.6 Dotterel Filefish 16 1 9 2.6 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic Sharpnose Shark 16 7.5 12 3.5 Rachycentron canadum Cobia 15 46.2 3 0.9 Neomerinthe hemingwayi Spinycheek Scorpionfish 15 4 7 2 Calamus leucosteus Whitebone Porgy 14 4.6 3 0.9 Seriola fasciata Lesser Amberjack 14 1.8 4 1.2 Bregmaceros atlanticus Antenna Codlet 13 0 8 2.3 Ophidion Cusk- 12 0.5 5 1.5 Ogcocephalus corniger Longnose Batfish 12 0.4 7 2 Bagre marinus Gafftopsail Catfish 12 2.3 3 0.9

24 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Seriola dumerili Greater Amberjack 12 2.1 8 2.3 Selar crumenophthalmus Bigeye Scad 12 0.5 6 1.8 Ocyurus chrysurus Yellowtail Snapper 11 3.1 4 1.2 aya Bank Butterflyfish 11 0.3 3 0.9 Ariomma regulus Spotted Driftfish 11 1.8 4 1.2 Neobythites gilli Twospot Brotula 11 0.1 4 1.2 Squatina dumeril Atlantic Angel Shark 10 22.3 10 2.9 Rypticus maculatus Whitespotted Soapfish 10 0.5 7 2 Canthigaster jamestyleri Goldface Toby 10 0.1 4 1.2 Bathyanthias mexicanus Yellowtail Bass 10 0.1 5 1.5 Hypoplectrus 10 0.4 2 0.6 Urophycis cirrata Gulf Hake 10 0.3 7 2 Opsanus pardus Leopard Toadfish 10 0.9 8 2.3 Engraulidae Anchovies 10 0 2 0.6 Peristedion gracile Slender Searobin 9 0.2 2 0.6 Hemanthias vivanus Red Barbier 9 0.1 3 0.9 Echiophis intertinctus Spotted Spoon-nose Eel 9 3.2 9 2.6 Phaeoptyx xenus Cardinalfish 9 0 2 0.6 Ariomma melanum Brown Driftfish 8 0.2 1 0.3 Apogon pseudomaculatus Twospot Cardinalfish 8 0.1 1 0.3 Ophidion grayi Blotched Cusk-eel 8 1 5 1.5 Narcine brasiliensis Lesser Electric Ray 8 3.6 3 0.9 Lonchopisthus micrognathus Swordtail Jawfish 8 0 5 1.5 Antennarius ocellatus Ocellated Frogfish 8 1.2 7 2 marmoreus Seaweed Blenny 8 0 7 2 Symphurus civitatium Offshore Tonguefish 8 0.1 5 1.5 Seriola zonata Banded Rudderfish 8 1.7 3 0.9 Serranus tortugarum Chalk Bass 8 0.1 2 0.6 Gymnachirus texae Fringed Sole 8 0.1 6 1.8 Mustelus canis Dusky Smooth-hound 7 4.5 5 1.5 Acanthostracion polygonius Honeycomb Cowfish 7 6.1 5 1.5

25 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Sphyraena guachancho Guaguanche 7 1.4 6 1.8 Echeneis naucrates Sharksucker 7 2.4 6 1.8 Pristigenys alta Short Bigeye 7 0.9 6 1.8 Scomberomorus maculatus Atlantic Spanish Mackerel 7 1.7 5 1.5 Rhinobatos lentiginosus Atlantic Guitarfish 7 4.1 5 1.5 Citharichthys cornutus Horned Whiff 6 0 4 1.2 Perch-like Fishes 6 0 2 0.6 Lepophidium 6 0 2 0.6 Physiculus fulvus Hakeling 6 0 3 0.9 Raja eglanteria Clearnose Skate 6 4.6 6 1.8 Centropristis striata Black Sea Bass 6 2.1 3 0.9 Halichoeres bathyphilus Greenband 5 0.2 4 1.2 Carangoides bartholomaei Yellow Jack 5 0.1 3 0.9 Syngnathus louisianae Chain Pipefish 5 0 2 0.6 Angelfishes 5 0 2 0.6 Hippocampus erectus Lined Seahorse 5 0.1 5 1.5 Calamus calamus Saucereye Porgy 5 1.7 1 0.3 Astrapogon alutus Bronze Cardinalfish 5 0 4 1.2 Eucinostomus Mojarras 4 0.2 2 0.6 Mycteroperca phenax Scamp 4 1.6 4 1.2 Cheilopogon cyanopterus Margined Flyingfish 4 0.2 1 0.3 Mustelus sinusmexicanus Gulf Smoothhound 4 2.7 4 1.2 caudilimbatus Margintail Conger 4 0.1 3 0.9 Pomatomus saltatrix 4 1 1 0.3 Rajidae Rays 4 0 2 0.6 Citharichthys gymnorhinus Anglefin Whiff 4 0 4 1.2 Gymnothorax nigromarginatus Blackedge Moray 4 0.6 4 1.2 Etropus microstomus Smallmouth Flounder 4 0 1 0.3 Dasyatis sabina Atlantic 4 4.4 4 1.2 Selene vomer Lookdown 4 0.5 3 0.9 Urophycis Codlings 4 0.3 3 0.9

26 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Haemulon Grunts 3 0 2 0.6 Gnathophis bracheatopos Longeye Conger 3 0.2 1 0.3 Centropristis Black Sea Basses 3 0.1 2 0.6 Mullidae Goat Fishes 3 0 1 0.3 Exocoetidae Flyingfishes 3 0 2 0.6 Ogcocephalus rostellum Palefin Batfish 3 0 1 0.3 Hirundichthys rondeletii Blackwing Flyingfish 3 0.2 2 0.6 gomesii Shrimp Eel 3 0.4 1 0.3 Hemanthias aureorubens Streamer Bass 3 0 2 0.6 Opistognathus lonchurus Moustache Jawfish 3 0.1 1 0.3 Scomber japonicus Chub Mackerel 3 0.2 2 0.6 Diodon holocanthus Balloonfish 3 1.5 3 0.9 Fistularia petimba Pacific 3 0.6 3 0.9 Holocentrus adscensionis Squirrelfish 3 0.9 2 0.6 Echeneis Sharksuckers 3 1 3 0.9 Gulf Minkfish 3 0.6 2 0.6 Cryptotomus roseus Bluelip Parrotfish 3 0.1 3 0.9 Carcharhinus acronotus Blacknose Shark 3 1.9 3 0.9 Gobiesox strumosus Skilletfish 3 0 2 0.6 Hoplunnis diomediana Blacktail Pike-conger 3 0 3 0.9 Scorpaena inermis Mushroom Scorpionfish 3 0 1 0.3 Bellator egretta Streamer Searobin 3 0 2 0.6 Rhinoptera bonasus Cownose Ray 2 21.8 1 0.3 Lutjanus vivanus Silk Snapper 2 0.2 2 0.6 Sparisoma atomarium Greenblotch Parrotfish 2 0 2 0.6 Hippocampus reidi Longsnout Seahorse 2 0 2 0.6 Seriola rivoliana Almaco Jack 2 0.8 2 0.6 Opistognathus Spotfin Jawfishes 2 0 1 0.3 Schultzea beta School Bass 2 0 1 0.3 Gobiidae Gobies 2 0 1 0.3 Serranus annularis Orangeback Bass 2 0 2 0.6

27 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Lophius gastrophysus Blackfin Goosefish 2 0.2 2 0.6 Citharichthys Sanddabs 2 0 1 0.3 Dasyatis centroura Clam Cracker 2 450 2 0.6 Bregmaceros cantori Striped Codlet 2 0 2 0.6 Scorpaena dispar Hunchback Scorpionfish 2 0.2 2 0.6 Sargocentron bullisi Deepwater Squirrelfish 2 0.1 1 0.3 variabilis Cocoa 2 0 1 0.3 Symphurus Straightmouth 2 0 1 0.3 Histrio histrio Frogfish 2 0 1 0.3 Apogon Cardinalfishes 2 0 2 0.6 Fistularia tabacaria Bluespotted Cornetfish 2 0.5 2 0.6 Syacium 2 0 1 0.3 Gymnura micrura Smooth Butterfly Ray 2 10.3 2 0.6 Ophidion selenops Mooneye Cusk-eel 2 0 2 0.6 Pogonias cromis Black Drum 2 4.4 2 0.6 Porkfish 2 0.6 1 0.3 Carangidae Jacks 2 0 1 0.3 Mycteroperca 2 0.1 1 0.3 Pseudupeneus maculatus Spotted Goatfish 2 0.3 2 0.6 Hyporthodus flavolimbatus 2 5.8 2 0.6 Ginglymostoma cirratum Nurse Shark 2 0.5 2 0.6 Ariosoma belearicum 2 0.1 1 0.3 Cheilopogon 2 0.2 2 0.6 Ophioblennius atlanticus Redlip Blenny 2 0 1 0.3 Halichoeres 1 0 1 0.3 Serranus subligarius Belted Sandfish 1 0 1 0.3 nobilis Barred Grunt 1 0 1 0.3 Torpedo nobiliana Atlantic Torpedo 1 0.3 1 0.3 Echiophis punctifer Snapper Eel 1 0.2 1 0.3 maculata Rough Triggerfish 1 0 1 0.3 Gnatholepis thompsoni Goldspot Goby 1 0 1 0.3

28 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Carcharhinus falciformis Silky Shark 1 1.3 1 0.3 Blenniidae Blennies 1 0 1 0.3 Scomber colias Atlantic chub mackerel 1 0 1 0.3 Opsanus tau Oyster Toadfish 1 0.1 1 0.3 Ophidiidae Brotulas 1 0 1 0.3 Paraclinus nigripinnis Blackfin Blenny 1 0 1 0.3 Risor ruber Tusked Goby 1 0 1 0.3 Holacanthus ciliaris 1 0.2 1 0.3 Hypleurochilus bermudensis Barred Blenny 1 0 1 0.3 Stegastes partitus Bicolor Damselfish 1 0 1 0.3 Muraena retifera Reticulate Moray 1 0.1 1 0.3 Elops saurus Ladyfish 1 0.3 1 0.3 Hoplunnis 1 0 1 0.3 1 0 1 0.3 holbrookii Spottail Pinfish 1 0.2 1 0.3 Eucinostomus melanopterus Flagfin Mojarra 1 0 1 0.3 Phaeoptyx pigmentaria Dusky Cardinalfish 1 0 1 0.3 Pronotogrammus martinicensis Roughtongue bass 1 0.1 1 0.3 Prionotus North American Searobins 1 0 1 0.3 Hemicaranx amblyrhynchus Bluntnose Jack 1 0 1 0.3 Epinephelus niveatus Snowy Grouper 1 0 1 0.3 Scorpaena brachyptera Shortfin Scorpionfish 1 0 1 0.3 Serranidae Groupers 1 0 1 0.3 Lutjanus analis Mutton Snapper 1 3.1 1 0.3 Epinephelus itajara Goliath Grouper 1 100 1 0.3 Hoplunnis tenuis Spotted Pike-conger 1 0 1 0.3 Synodus synodus 1 0 1 0.3 Scorpaena plumieri Spotted Scorpionfish 1 0.4 1 0.3 Ariomma bondi Silver-rag 1 0.1 1 0.3 Dactylopterus volitans Flying Gurnard 1 0.5 1 0.3 Scomberomorus cavalla King Mackerel 1 1.2 1 0.3

29 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Dipturus olseni Spreadfin Skate 1 0.5 1 0.3 Archosargus probatocephalus Sheepshead 1 0.9 1 0.3 Haemulon sciurus 1 0.2 1 0.3 Urobatis Shortail Round Stingrays 1 0.4 1 0.3 Carcharhinus plumbeus Sandbar Shark 1 3.5 1 0.3 Halichoeres caudalis Painted Wrasse 1 0.1 1 0.3 Ophichthus puncticeps Palespotted Eel 1 0.2 1 0.3

Crustaceans

Farfantepenaeus aztecus Brown Shrimp 27522 378.6 186 54.4 Callinectes similis Lesser Blue 16797 157.2 111 32.5 Rimapenaeus similis Roughback Shrimp 6771 26 80 23.4 Squilla empusa Mantis Shrimp 4099 35.2 95 27.8 Farfantepenaeus duorarum Northern Pink Shrimp 2866 57.2 81 23.7 Litopenaeus setiferus Northern White Shrimp 2846 110.9 57 16.7 Sicyonia brevirostris Brown Rock Shrimp 1822 22.3 93 27.2 Portunus spinicarpus Longspine Swimming Crab 1723 8.6 94 27.5 Sicyonia dorsalis Lesser Rock Shrimp 1273 2.5 28 8.2 Rimapenaeus constrictus Roughneck Shrimp 984 4.2 31 9.1 Portunus gibbesii Iridescent Swimming Crab 951 9 77 22.5 Squilla chydaea 700 4.1 57 16.7 Xiphopenaeus kroyeri Atlantic Seabob 571 4 11 3.2 Portunus spinimanus Blotched Swimming Crab 510 14.8 75 21.9 Solenocera vioscai Humpback Shrimp 503 2.1 33 9.6 Anasimus latus Stilt Spider Crab 440 1.4 63 18.4 Solenocera atlantidis Dwarf Humpback Shrimp 349 0.6 37 10.8 Callinectes sapidus Blue Crab 338 55.7 66 19.3 Stenorhynchus seticornis Yellowline Arrow Crab 269 1.1 61 17.8 Raninoides louisianensis Gulf Frog Crab 233 1.6 44 12.9 Metapenaeopsis goodei Velvet Shrimp 230 0.4 29 8.5

30 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Calappa sulcata Yellow Box Crab 168 33 53 15.5 Scyllarus chacei Chace Slipper 152 0.8 31 9.1 Leiolambrus nitidus White Elbow Crab 135 0.3 40 11.7 Iliacantha liodactylus 89 0.3 23 6.7 Parapenaeus politus Deep-water Rose Shrimp 79 0.1 7 2 Scyllarides nodifer Ridged Slipper Lobster 78 20.6 27 7.9 Portunus ordwayi Redhair Swimming Crab 72 0.6 21 6.1 Hepatus epheliticus Calico Box Crab 62 2.5 16 4.7 Pseudorhombila quadridentata Flecked Squareback Crab 60 0.3 20 5.8 Portunus sayi Sargassum Swimming Crab 53 0.3 15 4.4 Alpheus 46 0 11 3.2 Sicyonia burkenroadi Spiny Rock Shrimp 39 0 8 2.3 Cryptodromiopsis antillensis Decorator Crab 37 0.2 24 7 Stenocionops spinimanus Prickly Spider Crab 35 1.2 9 2.6 Euphrosynoplax clausa Craggy Bathyal Crab 33 0.2 18 5.3 Platylambrus granulata Bladetooth Elbow Crab 31 0.1 23 6.7 Paguristes hummi 29 0 1 0.3 Libinia emarginata Portly Spider Crab 26 1.1 9 2.6 Paguristes sericeus Blue-eye Hermit 23 0 15 4.4 Trachypenaeopsis mobilispinis 23 0.2 2 0.6 Parthenope agona Yellow Elbow Crab 23 0 6 1.8 Mesopenaeus tropicalis Salmon Shrimp 22 0.1 8 2.3 Stenorhynchus 22 0 14 4.1 Ovalipes floridanus Florida Lady Crab 21 0.6 8 2.3 Podochela sidneyi Shortfinger Neck Crab 21 0 7 2 Calappa flammea Flame Box Crab 19 1.9 9 2.6 Dardanus insignis Red Brocade Hermit 19 0.2 11 3.2 Stenocionops furcatus Furcate Spider Crab 18 0.1 15 4.4 Persephona crinita Pink Purse Crab 18 0.1 11 3.2 Speocarcinus lobatus Gulf Squareback Crab 18 0 14 4.1 Pseudomedaeus agassizii Rough Rubble Crab 17 0.1 9 2.6

31 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Paguristes triangulatus 16 0.2 5 1.5 Pyromaia cuspidata Dartnose Pear Crab 15 0.1 5 1.5 Porcellana sayana Spotted Porcelain Crab 15 0 4 1.2 Petrochirus diogenes Giant Hermit 14 0.3 10 2.9 Mithrax hispidus Clinging Crab 13 0 5 1.5 Munida forceps 13 0 7 2 Metoporhaphis calcarata False Arrow Crab 11 0 5 1.5 Solenocera 11 0.1 2 0.6 Plesionika longicauda 10 0 5 1.5 Solenoceridae Solenocerid 10 0 1 0.3 Gibbesia neglecta 10 0.2 2 0.6 Pilumnus sayi Spineback Hairy Crab 10 0 7 2 Squilla deceptrix 9 0 4 1.2 Mithrax 9 0 5 1.5 Munida pusilla 9 0 2 0.6 Munida 8 0 3 0.9 Sicyonia Rock Shrimps 8 0 2 0.6 Nemausa acuticornis Sharphorn Clinging Crab 8 0 4 1.2 Squilla rugosa 8 0.1 6 1.8 Iliacantha subglobosa Longfinger Purse Crab 7 0 4 1.2 Collodes robustus 6 0 5 1.5 6 0 3 0.9 Penaeid Shrimps 6 0 1 0.3 Mithrax pleuracanthus Shaggy Clinging Crab 6 0 4 1.2 Dyspanopeus texanus Gulf Grassflat Crab 5 0 1 0.3 Gonodactylus torus 5 0 3 0.9 Majidae Spider Crabs 5 0 2 0.6 Myropsis quinquespinosa Fivespine Purse Crab 5 0 4 1.2 Macrocoeloma 4 0 1 0.3 Persephona mediterranea Mottled Purse Crab 4 0 2 0.6 Lobopilumnus agassizii Areolated Hairy Crab 4 0 4 1.2

32 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Ethusa microphthalma Broadback Sumo Crab 4 0 2 0.6 Hexapanopeus angustifrons Smooth Mud Crab 4 0 1 0.3 Periclimenes 4 0 1 0.3 Stomatopoda Mantis Shrimp 4 0 2 0.6 Stenocionops furcatus coelatus 4 0.4 3 0.9 Leiolambrus granulosus 4 0 1 0.3 Squilla 3 0 2 0.6 Munida irrasa 3 0 2 0.6 Xanthidae Mud Crabs 3 0 2 0.6 Raninoides loevis Furrowed Frog Crab 3 0 1 0.3 Nephropsis aculeata Florida Lobsterette 3 0 2 0.6 Menippe adina Gulf Stone Crab 3 0 2 0.6 Panulirus argus Caribbean Spiny Lobster 3 4.1 3 0.9 Pagurus bullisi 3 0 3 0.9 Alpheus floridanus Sand Snapping Shrimp 3 0 1 0.3 3 0 3 0.9 Macrocoeloma trispinosum Spongy Decorator Crab 3 0 3 0.9 Glyptoxanthus erosus Eroded Mud Crab 3 0.2 2 0.6 Mithraculus forceps Red-ridged Clinging Crab 2 0 1 0.3 Dardanus fucosus Bareye Hermit 2 0 1 0.3 Gonodactylus 2 0 2 0.6 Porcellanidae Porcelain Crabs 2 0 1 0.3 Porcellana 2 0 1 0.3 Speocarcinus carolinensis Carolinian Squareback Crab 2 0 2 0.6 Callinectes ornatus Shelligs 2 0.1 1 0.3 Palicus alternata 2 0 2 0.6 Libinia dubia Longnose Spider Crab 2 0 1 0.3 Tozeuma serratum Serrate Arrow Shrimp 2 0 1 0.3 Nibilia antilocapra Shorthorn Spiny Crab 2 0 1 0.3 Synalpheus townsendi Townsend Snapping Shrimp 2 0 1 0.3 Galathea rostrata 2 0 1 0.3

33 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Sicyonia laevigata Coral Shrimp 2 0 1 0.3 Diogenidae Left-handed Hermit Crabs 2 0 2 0.6 Lysiosquilla scabricauda 2 0.3 2 0.6 Platylambrus fraterculus Rough Elbow Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Synalpheus 1 0 1 0.3 Gonodactylidae Gonodactylid Mantis Shrimps 1 0 1 0.3 Pinnotheridae Pea Crabs 1 0 1 0.3 Podochela lamelligera 1 0 1 0.3 Pilumnus floridanus Plumed Hairy Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Paguristes oxyophthalmus 1 0 1 0.3 Macrocoeloma camptocerum Florida Decorator Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Procambarus clarkii Red Swamp Crayfish 1 0 1 0.3 Petrolisthes galathinus Banded Porcelain Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Isopods 1 0 1 0.3 Menippe mercenaria Florida Stone Crab 1 0.2 1 0.3 Scyllaridae Slipper 1 0 1 0.3 Pitho 1 0 1 0.3 Acanthilia intermedia Granulose Purse Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Scyllarides aequinoctialis Spanish Slipper Lobster 1 0 1 0.3 Homola barbata 1 0 1 0.3 Scyllarus depressus Scaled Slipper Lobster 1 0 1 0.3 Stenopus scutellatus Golden Coral Shrimp 1 0 1 0.3 Palicus faxoni Finned Stilt Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Iliacantha sparsa Shouldered Purse Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Podochela gracilipes Unicorn Neck Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Neogonodactylus oerstedii 1 0 1 0.3 Danielum ixbauchac 1 0 1 0.3 Inachidae 1 0 1 0.3 Glypturus 1 0 1 0.3 Arenaeus cribrarius Speckled Swimming Crab 1 0.1 1 0.3 Lophopanopeus distinctus 1 0 1 0.3

34 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Others

Loligo pealeii Longfin Inshore Squid 9130 131.8 120 35.1 Amusium papyraceum Paper Scallop 9096 64.9 74 21.6 Loligo 8079 132.4 153 44.7 Argopecten gibbus Atlantic Calico Scallop 4807 40.4 19 5.6 Lolliguncula brevis Atlantic Brief Squid 1501 18.7 70 20.5 Pitar cordatus Corded Pitar 536 10.7 51 14.9 Anadara baughmani Skewed Ark 418 6.5 19 5.6 Euvola raveneli Round-rib Scallop 176 0.5 16 4.7 Macoma brevifrons Short Macoma 124 1.1 9 2.6 Polystira albida White Giant-turris 118 1.4 21 6.1 Lirophora clenchi Clench Venus 54 0.6 12 3.5 Conus austini 50 0.4 10 2.9 Laevicardium mortoni Yellow Eggcockle 43 0.9 14 4.1 Laevicardium laevigatum Eggcockle 39 1.2 8 2.3 Pteria colymbus Atlantic Wing-oyster 33 1.2 3 0.9 Fusinus helenae Brown Spindle 29 0.3 1 0.3 Dendostrea frons Frond Oyster 28 0.4 2 0.6 Polystira tellea Delicate Giant-turris 23 0.2 5 1.5 Tonna galea Giant Tun 22 2 12 3.5 vulgaris Common Octopus 20 6.4 16 4.7 Macoma pulleyi Delta Macoma 19 0.1 3 0.9 Pinctada 19 0.5 1 0.3 Octopus joubini Atlantic Pygmy Octopus 18 0.5 12 3.5 Aplysiidae 16 0.1 2 0.6 Distorsio clathrata Atlantic Distorsio 15 0.2 10 2.9 Hexaplex fulvescens Giant Eastern Murex 15 0.3 6 1.8 Aplysia brasiliana Mottled Seahare 13 0.4 2 0.6 Atrina 12 0.5 2 0.6 Arca zebra Turkey Wing 11 0.1 4 1.2

35 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Cantharus cancellarius Cancellate Cantharus 10 0 2 0.6 Conus cancellatus Cancellate Cone 10 0.1 2 0.6 Sconsia striata Royal Bonnet 9 0.2 5 1.5 Arca imbricata Mossy Ark 8 0.1 2 0.6 Aplysia 8 1.5 3 0.9 Oliva sayana Lettered 7 0.1 2 0.6 Lindapecten muscosus Rough Scallop 7 0 5 1.5 Ficus communis Atlantic Figsnail 6 0.3 5 1.5 Agriopoma texasiana 6 0.1 3 0.9 Laevicardium pictum Painted Eggcockle 6 0 1 0.3 Pleurobranchus 5 0.5 5 1.5 Spondylus americanus Atlantic Thorny Oyster 4 0.3 1 0.3 Astrea americana 4 0 1 0.3 Armina tigrina Tiger Armina 4 0 1 0.3 Narcissia trigonaria 4 0 2 0.6 Cerithium 3 0 1 0.3 Muricidae 3 0 1 0.3 cayenensis Cayenne Keyhole 3 0 1 0.3 Pecten tereinus 3 0 2 0.6 Neverita duplicata Shark Eye 3 0 1 0.3 Fasciolaria tulipa True Tulip 3 0.2 3 0.9 Anadara ovalis Blood Ark 3 0 2 0.6 Discodoris 2 0 2 0.6 Atrina serrata Sawtooth Penshell 2 0 1 0.3 Cymatium parthenopeum Giant Triton 2 0 1 0.3 Laevicardium 2 0 1 0.3 Cypraea cinera 2 0 2 0.6 Scyllaeidae 1 0 1 0.3 Atrina seminuda Half-naked Penshell 1 0 1 0.3 Pitar morrhuanus False Quahog 1 0 1 0.3 Chicoreus florifer 1 0 1 0.3

36 Table 2. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Strombus costatus Milk Conch 1 0.1 1 0.3 Murex hildalgoi 1 0 1 0.3 Ostrea stentina Crested Oyster 1 0 1 0.3 Umbraculum plicatulum 1 0 1 0.3 Macrocallista maculata Calico Clam 1 0 1 0.3 Semirossia tenera 1 0 1 0.3 Busycon perversum 1 0.5 1 0.3 Muricopsis hexagona 1 0 1 0.3 Busycon lyonsi 1 0.1 1 0.3 Elysia 1 0.2 1 0.3 Semirossia equalis 1 0 1 0.3 Cypraea cervus Atlantic Deer Cowrie 1 0 1 0.3 Chicoreus 1 0 1 0.3 Narcissia 1 0 1 0.3

37 Table 3. 2017 Fall Shrimp/Groundfish Survey species composition list, 290 trawl stations, for those vessels that used a 40-ft trawl. Species with a total weight of less than 0.0227 kg (0.05 lb) are indicated on the table as 0.0 kg.

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE

Finfishes

Micropogonias undulatus Atlantic Croaker 68281 2856.7 153 52.8 Syacium papillosum Dusky Flounder 9004 532 126 43.4 Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic Bumper 7920 246.6 98 33.8 Mullus auratus Red Goatfish 7519 417 19 6.6 Stenotomus caprinus Longspine Porgy 5416 233 103 35.5 Lagodon rhomboides Pinfish 4685 336.4 127 43.8 Leiostomus xanthurus Spot 4614 389.8 101 34.8 Cynoscion nothus Silver Seatrout 3001 181.5 97 33.4 Peprilus burti Gulf Butterfish 2552 195.4 85 29.3 Trachurus lathami Rough Scad 2473 137.6 61 21 Scorpaena calcarata Smoothhead Scorpionfish 2363 47.1 68 23.4 Serranus atrobranchus Blackear Bass 2281 28.7 60 20.7 Trichiurus lepturus Atlantic Cutlassfish 1944 104.8 70 24.1 Lutjanus synagris Lane Snapper 1880 296.3 96 33.1 Stephanolepis hispida Planehead Filefish 1579 66.1 92 31.7 Larimus fasciatus Banded Drum 1499 81.4 64 22.1 Haemulon aurolineatum Tomtate 1466 137.8 87 30 Synodus foetens Inshore Lizardfish 1435 178.3 205 70.7 Diplectrum formosum Sand Perch 1383 133 117 40.3 Syacium gunteri Shoal Flounder 1346 26.2 80 27.6 Lutjanus campechanus Red Snapper 1329 147.5 131 45.2 Bluntnose Lizardfish 1229 87 95 32.8 Peprilus paru Harvestfish 1190 50.4 61 21 Prionotus longispinosus Bigeye Searobin 1163 39.1 105 36.2 Ariopsis felis Hardhead Catfish 1112 159.9 62 21.4 Cynoscion arenarius Sand Seatrout 1095 92.8 83 28.6 Anchoa hepsetus Broad-striped Anchovy 1088 17.3 52 17.9

38 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Sphoeroides dorsalis Marbled Puffer 969 32 65 22.4 Selene setapinnis Atlantic Moonfish 967 69.3 79 27.2 Orthopristis chrysoptera Pigfish 944 89.8 42 14.5 Scorpaena brasiliensis Barbfish 904 74.1 55 19 Decapterus punctatus Round Scad 897 28.7 35 12.1 Eucinostomus gula Silver Jenny 896 34.5 48 16.6 Centropristis philadelphicus Rock Sea Bass 830 48.7 100 34.5 Trichopsetta ventralis Sash Flounder 822 16.4 28 9.7 Calamus proridens Littlehead Porgy 777 152.5 58 20 Bellator militaris Horned Searobin 742 14.6 40 13.8 Harengula jaguana Scaled Herring 736 35.3 50 17.2 Rhomboplites aurorubens Vermilion Snapper 708 78.4 62 21.4 Pristipomoides aquilonaris Wenchman 684 42.2 42 14.5 Upeneus parvus Dwarf Goatfish 676 26.9 56 19.3 Haemulon plumierii White Grunt 672 130 21 7.2 Saurida brasiliensis Largescale Lizardfish 659 2.2 45 15.5 Bothus robinsi Twospot Flounder 626 17.8 71 24.5 Synodus macrostigmus Largespot Lizardfish 618 45.6 56 19.3 Chaetodipterus faber Atlantic Spadefish 597 28.6 93 32.1 Acanthostracion quadricornis Scrawled Cowfish 589 97.6 85 29.3 Chromis enchrysura Yellowtail Reeffish 511 16.6 5 1.7 Equetus lanceolatus Jackknife Fish 485 29.9 75 25.9 Lepophidium jeannae Mottled Cusk-eel 465 23.6 38 13.1 Monacanthus ciliatus Fringed Filefish 396 8.9 39 13.4 Prionotus roseus Bluespotted Searobin 389 17.1 64 22.1 Sphoeroides parvus Least Puffer 371 2.1 36 12.4 Eucinostomus argenteus Spotfin Mojarra 344 10.4 23 7.9 Lepophidium brevibarbe Blackedge Cusk-eel 341 11.7 38 13.1 Diplectrum bivittatum Dwarf Sand Perch 341 6.6 48 16.6 Halieutichthys 340 2.6 54 18.6 Stellifer lanceolatus Star Drum 320 5 23 7.9

39 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Synodus poeyi Offshore Lizardfish 312 3.2 47 16.2 Etropus crossotus Fringed Flounder 308 5.2 47 16.2 Pterois Lion Fishes 285 45.9 32 11 Caranx crysos Blue Runner 278 19 68 23.4 Haemulon striatum Striped Grunt 275 11 6 2.1 Ophidion holbrookii Bank Cusk-eel 271 28.9 49 16.9 Prionotus martis Barred Searobin 262 15.3 21 7.2 Sphoeroides spengleri Bandtail Puffer 256 13.6 52 17.9 Orange Filefish 246 129.5 42 14.5 Cyclopsetta chittendeni Mexican Flounder 246 18.6 55 19 Lutjanus griseus Gray Snapper 225 50.4 37 12.8 Halieutichthys aculeatus Pancake Batfish 225 2.4 34 11.7 Brevoortia patronus Gulf Menhaden 216 21.2 17 5.9 Serranus phoebe Tattler 200 7.9 16 5.5 Prionotus scitulus Leopard Searobin 196 9.2 14 4.8 Symphurus diomedeanus Spottedfin Tonguefish 190 5.5 32 11 Porichthys plectrodon Atlantic Midshipman 187 3.8 60 20.7 Calamus arctifrons Grass Porgy 185 24.5 10 3.4 Synodus intermedius Sand Diver 184 16.5 28 9.7 Citharichthys spilopterus Bay Whiff 160 2.4 39 13.4 Prionotus paralatus Mexican Searobin 151 5.9 11 3.8 Balistes capriscus Gray Triggerfish 141 13 53 18.3 Etropus microstomus Smallmouth Flounder 140 2.3 5 1.7 Eucinostomus harengulus Tidewater Mojarra 140 9.2 24 8.3 Gymnothorax saxicola Honeycomb Moray 139 17.1 44 15.2 Prionotus stearnsi Shortwing Searobin 128 1.9 16 5.5 Ogcocephalus declivirostris Slantbrow Batfish 123 2.3 34 11.7 Cyclopsetta fimbriata Spotfin Flounder 121 11.2 56 19.3 Opisthonema oglinum Atlantic Thread Herring 118 9.3 28 9.7 Chaetodon ocellatus Spotfin Butterflyfish 118 9.3 37 12.8 Scorpaena agassizii Longfin Scorpionfish 115 3.7 18 6.2

40 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Saurida normani Shortjaw Lizardfish 101 9.2 12 4.1 Pareques umbrosus Cubbyu 101 7.2 30 10.3 Prionotus rubio Blackfin Searobin 97 8.2 23 7.9 Sardinella aurita Round Sardinella 96 3.5 16 5.5 Calamus nodosus Knobbed Porgy 89 24.1 9 3.1 Centropristis ocyurus Bank Sea Bass 86 5.3 19 6.6 Lachnolaimus maximus Hogfish 78 25.3 13 4.5 Serranus notospilus Saddle Bass 78 0.6 6 2.1 Lagocephalus laevigatus Smooth Puffer 74 3.6 23 7.9 Prionotus ophryas Bandtail Searobin 74 4.2 30 10.3 Citharichthys macrops Spotted Whiff 71 2.5 17 5.9 Chaetodon sedentarius Reef Butterflyfish 65 2.6 10 3.4 Pterois volitans Lion Fish 63 12.8 12 4.1 Ogcocephalus parvus Roughback Batfish 63 1.8 22 7.6 Sphoeroides nephelus Southern Puffer 59 7.3 13 4.5 Nicholsina usta Emerald Parrotfish 57 5.8 23 7.9 Kathetostoma albigutta Lancer Stargazer 56 2.1 23 7.9 Gastropsetta frontalis Shrimp Flounder 53 5.1 23 7.9 Ophidion holbrookii Longnose Cusk-eel 52 3.6 12 4.1 Bagre marinus Gafftopsail Catfish 50 9.4 17 5.9 Ophidion josephi Crested Cusk-eel 49 2.4 11 3.8 Sphyrna tiburo Bonnethead 48 28.2 21 7.2 Anchoa mitchilli Bay Anchovy 47 0.1 5 1.7 Epinephelus morio Red Grouper 45 21.2 24 8.3 Aluterus heudelotii Dotterel Filefish 44 8.2 23 7.9 Cynoscion Sea Trout 44 0.4 11 3.8 Apogon affinis Bigtooth Cardinalfish 43 0.7 11 3.8 Calamus bajonado Jolthead Porgy 41 31.2 10 3.4 Priacanthus arenatus Bigeye 39 4.4 14 4.8 Brotula barbata Bearded Brotula 38 4 20 6.9 Otophidium dormitator Sleeper Cusk-eel 36 2.3 6 2.1

41 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Rhynchoconger flavus Yellow Conger 33 2.2 8 2.8 Etropus rimosus Gray Flounder 33 0.6 7 2.4 Prionotus alatus Spiny Searobin 33 1.7 10 3.4 Xyrichtys novacula Pearly Razorfish 32 2.1 9 3.1 Bathyanthias mexicanus Yellowtail Bass 32 0.8 7 2.4 Bollmannia communis Ragged Goby 31 0.1 8 2.8 Prionotus tribulus Bighead Searobin 31 3.7 15 5.2 Ophidion Cusk-eels 29 1.8 5 1.7 Holacanthus bermudensis Blue Angelfish 28 13.7 16 5.5 Menticirrhus americanus Jewsharp Drummer 27 4.2 12 4.1 Sciaenops ocellatus 26 128.4 2 0.7 Bombay Ducks 26 2.9 1 0.3 Symphurus civitatium Offshore Tonguefish 26 0.5 7 2.4 Pristigenys alta Short Bigeye 26 2.5 18 6.2 Pomacanthus arcuatus Gray Angelfish 25 13.8 13 4.5 Raja texana Roundel Skate 25 9.5 22 7.6 Selar crumenophthalmus Bigeye Scad 24 1.4 13 4.5 Chilomycterus schoepfii Burrfish 23 7.6 14 4.8 Antennarius radiosus Big-eyed Frogfish 22 0.1 10 3.4 Apogon pseudomaculatus Twospot Cardinalfish 22 0.3 6 2.1 Diplodus holbrookii Spottail Pinfish 22 2 3 1 Ariomma regulus Spotted Driftfish 22 1.4 11 3.8 Ancylopsetta ommata Ocellated Flounder 21 3.7 15 5.2 Etrumeus teres Atlantic Red Herring 21 0.6 2 0.7 Scomberomorus maculatus Atlantic Spanish Mackerel 21 5.7 13 4.5 Ogcocephalus pantostictus Spotted Batfish 17 0.6 5 1.7 Symphurus plagiusa Blackcheek Tonguefish 17 0.4 8 2.8 Hoplunnis macrura Freckled Pike-conger 16 0.2 8 2.8 Centropristis striata Black Sea Bass 16 3.3 6 2.1 Ogcocephalus corniger Longnose Batfish 15 0.4 8 2.8 Rypticus maculatus Whitespotted Soapfish 15 0.6 9 3.1

42 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Bathyanthias cubensis 15 0.2 1 0.3 Pagrus pagrus Red Porgy 15 3.4 4 1.4 Engyophrys senta Spiny Flounder 15 0.1 8 2.8 Scorpaena Scorpionfishes 15 0.5 2 0.7 Apogon quadrisquamatus Sawcheek Cardinalfish 15 0.1 8 2.8 Paralichthyidae 14 0.5 1 0.3 Rypticus bistrispinus Freckled Soapfish 14 0.2 10 3.4 Neomerinthe hemingwayi Spinycheek Scorpionfish 14 2.8 6 2.1 Caulolatilus intermedius Anchor Tilefish 13 1.3 3 1 Acanthostracion polygonius Honeycomb Cowfish 13 5.2 5 1.7 Sphyraena guachancho Guaguanche 13 2.1 9 3.1 Echeneis neucratoides Whitefin Sharksucker 13 7.2 7 2.4 Paralichthys albigutta Gulf Flounder 13 3.7 9 3.1 Bothus ocellatus Eyed Flounder 12 0.3 7 2.4 Ocyurus chrysurus Yellowtail Snapper 12 1.8 4 1.4 Pareques iwamotoi Blackbar Drum 12 1.5 5 1.7 Hippocampus erectus Lined Seahorse 12 0.2 8 2.8 Symphurus urospilus Spottail Tonguefish 12 0.4 6 2.1 Ophidion selenops Mooneye Cusk-eel 11 0.7 4 1.4 Trinectes maculatus Hogchoker 11 0.1 3 1 Calamus penna Sheepshead Porgy 11 2.6 5 1.7 Sargocentron bullisi Deepwater Squirrelfish 11 1 3 1 Gymnachirus melas Naked Sole 10 0.4 7 2.4 Raja eglanteria Clearnose Skate 10 2.4 6 2.1 Trachinotus carolinus Florida Pompano 10 2 6 2.1 Syacium micrurum Channel Flounder 10 0.1 1 0.3 Selene vomer Lookdown 10 0.4 6 2.1 Ogcocephalus cubifrons Polka-dot Batfish 10 3.9 10 3.4 Decodon puellaris Red Hogfish 10 0.5 5 1.7 Antennarius striatus Striated Frogfish 10 0.3 8 2.8 Paralichthys lethostigma Southern Flounder 9 3.7 7 2.4

43 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic Sharpnose Shark 9 16.3 8 2.8 Opsanus beta Gulf Toadfish 9 0.9 5 1.7 Pseudupeneus maculatus Spotted Goatfish 9 1 2 0.7 Rhinoptera bonasus Cownose Ray 8 12 1 0.3 Antennarius ocellatus Ocellated Frogfish 8 0.3 8 2.8 Dasyatis americana Southern Stingray 8 16.3 7 2.4 Ophidion grayi Blotched Cusk-eel 8 0.9 5 1.7 Lonchopisthus micrognathus Swordtail Jawfish 8 0 4 1.4 Holocentrus adscensionis Squirrelfish 7 1.1 2 0.7 Anchoa lyolepis Dusky Anchovy 7 0 2 0.7 Anisotremus virginicus Porkfish 7 1.9 2 0.7 Seriola dumerili Greater Amberjack 7 3.1 4 1.4 Dactylopterus volitans Flying Gurnard 7 0.3 2 0.7 Calamus leucosteus Whitebone Porgy 6 3 1 0.3 Gobiesox strumosus Skilletfish 6 0 5 1.7 Gymnachirus texae Fringed Sole 6 0.1 4 1.4 Hoplunnis diomediana Blacktail Pike-conger 6 0 5 1.7 Citharichthys gymnorhinus Anglefin Whiff 6 0 4 1.4 Serranus tortugarum Chalk Bass 6 0.1 3 1 Conodon nobilis Barred Grunt 6 0.9 1 0.3 Urophycis floridana Southern Codling 6 1 2 0.7 Archosargus probatocephalus Sheepshead 6 1.3 3 1 Mycteroperca microlepis Gag 5 10.4 4 1.4 Rhinobatos lentiginosus Atlantic Guitarfish 5 2.2 4 1.4 Echeneis Sharksuckers 5 2.1 4 1.4 Apogon Cardinalfishes 5 0 3 1 Paraconger caudilimbatus Margintail Conger 5 0.3 3 1 Synodus synodus Red Lizardfish 4 0.1 3 1 Fistularia tabacaria Bluespotted Cornetfish 4 1.5 2 0.7 Hippocampus reidi Longsnout Seahorse 4 0 2 0.7 Echiophis intertinctus Spotted Spoon-nose Eel 4 1.4 4 1.4

44 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Cheilopogon melanurus Atlantic Flying Fish 4 0.5 1 0.3 Neobythites gilli Twospot Brotula 4 0 2 0.7 Echeneis naucrates Sharksucker 4 2.7 4 1.4 Fistularia petimba Pacific Cornetfish 4 0.4 2 0.7 Alectis ciliaris African Pompano 4 0.1 3 1 Ophidion antipholus Longnose Cusk-eel 4 0.2 2 0.7 Chromis insolatus 4 0 3 1 Opsanus pardus Leopard Toadfish 4 1.3 4 1.4 Prognathodes aya Bank Butterflyfish 3 0.1 2 0.7 Odontoscion dentex Reef Croaker 3 0.2 1 0.3 Diodon holocanthus Balloonfish 3 0.7 2 0.7 Sphoeroides Common Puffers 3 0 2 0.7 Apogon aurolineatus Bridle Cardinalfish 3 0 1 0.3 Achirus lineatus Lined Sole 3 0 1 0.3 Eucinostomus jonesii Slender Mojarra 3 0 2 0.7 Anchoa cubana Cuban Anchovy 3 0 1 0.3 Dasyatis sabina Atlantic Stingray 3 0.5 2 0.7 Elacatinus xanthiprora Yellowprow Goby 3 0 1 0.3 Aluterus monoceros Unicorn Filefish 3 1 3 1 Lutjanus apodus Schoolmaster 3 0.2 1 0.3 Otophidium omostigma Polka-dot Cusk-eel 2 0 1 0.3 Sphoeroides maculatus Northern Puffer 2 0.4 1 0.3 Perciformes Perch-like Fishes 2 0 1 0.3 Stephanolepis setifer Pygmy Filefish 2 0 1 0.3 Rachycentron canadum Cobia 2 4.7 2 0.7 Caranx hippos 2 0.3 1 0.3 Pontinus longispinis Longspine Scorpionfish 2 0 1 0.3 Scorpaena dispar Hunchback Scorpionfish 2 0.7 1 0.3 Uroconger syringinus Threadtail Conger 2 0.1 2 0.7 Symphurus Straightmouth Tonguefishes 2 0 1 0.3 Phaeoptyx xenus Sponge Cardinalfish 2 0 1 0.3

45 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Lutjanus analis Mutton Snapper 2 2.5 2 0.7 Hemanthias leptus Longtail Bass 2 0 1 0.3 Eucinostomus jonesii Slender Mojarra 2 0.1 1 0.3 Anthias nicholsi Yellowfin Bass 2 0 1 0.3 Scorpaena plumieri Spotted Scorpionfish 2 0 1 0.3 Pomatomus saltatrix Bluefish 2 0.7 2 0.7 Seriola rivoliana Almaco Jack 2 0.5 2 0.7 Eucinostomus melanopterus Flagfin Mojarra 2 0.1 1 0.3 Canthigaster jamestyleri Goldface Toby 1 0 1 0.3 Halichoeres garnoti Yellowhead Wrasse 1 0 1 0.3 Blenniidae Blennies 1 0 1 0.3 Blackline Tilefish 1 0.1 1 0.3 Opistognathus lonchurus Moustache Jawfish 1 0 1 0.3 Acanthurus chirurgus Doctorfish 1 0.2 1 0.3 Halichoeres caudalis Painted Wrasse 1 0.1 1 0.3 Myliobatis freminvillii Bullnose Ray 1 0.6 1 0.3 Urophycis regia Spotted Codling 1 0.1 1 0.3 Calamus calamus Saucereye Porgy 1 0.4 1 0.3 Parablennius marmoreus Seaweed Blenny 1 0 1 0.3 Carangoides ruber 1 0.1 1 0.3 Gymnothorax moringa Spotted Moray 1 0.1 1 0.3 Risor ruber Tusked Goby 1 0 1 0.3 Carcharhinus acronotus Blacknose Shark 1 5.1 1 0.3 Bothus 1 0 1 0.3 Microspathodon chrysurus Yellowtail Damselfish 1 0 1 0.3 Aluterus scriptus Scrawled Filefish 1 0 1 0.3 Ophichthus puncticeps Palespotted Eel 1 0.1 1 0.3 Parexocoetus brachypterus Sailfin Flyingfish 1 0 1 0.3 Rhynchoconger gracilior Whiptail Conger 1 0.1 1 0.3 Canthigaster rostrata Sharpnose Puffer 1 0 1 0.3 Urophycis earllii Carolina Hake 1 0.1 1 0.3

46 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Emblemaria atlantica Banner Blenny 1 0 1 0.3 Hemiramphus brasiliensis Ballyhoo 1 0.1 1 0.3 Ptereleotris calliura Blue Goby 1 0 1 0.3 Anguilliformes Eels 1 0 1 0.3 Zalieutes mcgintyi Tricorn Batfish 1 0 1 0.3 Elacatinus horsti Yellowline Goby 1 0 1 0.3 Cosmocampus albirostris Whitenose Pipefish 1 0 1 0.3 Menticirrhus saxatilis Gulf Minkfish 1 0.2 1 0.3 Sphoeroides pachygaster Blunthead Puffer 1 0 1 0.3 Paralichthys squamilentus Broad Flounder 1 0.1 1 0.3 Rypticus subbifrenatus Spotted Soapfish 1 0 1 0.3 eukrines Wrasse Bass 1 0 1 0.3 Citharichthys cornutus Horned Whiff 1 0 1 0.3 Holacanthus ciliaris Queen Angelfish 1 0.4 1 0.3 Bregmaceros cantori Striped Codlet 1 0 1 0.3 Gymnura micrura Smooth Butterfly Ray 1 3.5 1 0.3 Astrapogon alutus Bronze Cardinalfish 1 0 1 0.3 Engyophrys 1 0 1 0.3 Eucinostomus Mojarras 1 0 1 0.3 Diapterus Longspine Mojarras 1 0.1 1 0.3 Pontinus rathbuni Highfin Scorpionfish 1 0 1 0.3 Gymnothorax kolpos Blacktail Moray 1 0.6 1 0.3 Torpedo nobiliana Atlantic Torpedo 1 0.3 1 0.3 Dasyatis say Bluntnose Stingray 1 0.5 1 0.3 Scomber colias Chub Mackerel 1 0.1 1 0.3 Etropus cyclosquamus Shelf Flounder 1 0 1 0.3 Elops saurus Ladyfish 1 0.2 1 0.3 Gymnothorax nigromarginatus Blackedge Moray 1 0.1 1 0.3 Bregmaceros atlanticus Antenna Codlet 1 0 1 0.3 Lophiodes reticulatus Reticulate Goosefish 1 0 1 0.3 Phaeoptyx pigmentaria Dusky Cardinalfish 1 0 1 0.3

47 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Mobula hypostoma Atlantic Devil Ray 1 5.2 1 0.3 Astroscopus y-graecum Southern Stargazer 1 0.1 1 0.3 Sphyraena borealis Northern Sennet 1 0.2 1 0.3 Ariomma bondi Silver-rag 1 0 1 0.3 Carcharhinus limbatus Blacktip Shark 1 4.1 1 0.3 Lepophidium 1 0 1 0.3 Epinephelus itajara Goliath Grouper 1 13.4 1 0.3

Crustaceans

Farfantepenaeus aztecus Brown Shrimp 13098 269.1 148 51 Portunus spinicarpus Longspine Swimming Crab 3335 20.1 94 32.4 Sicyonia brevirostris Brown Rock Shrimp 3306 48.8 68 23.4 Farfantepenaeus duorarum Northern Pink Shrimp 2717 68.5 65 22.4 Litopenaeus setiferus Northern White Shrimp 1618 47.7 44 15.2 Callinectes similis Lesser Blue Crab 1453 26.8 85 29.3 Portunus spinimanus Blotched Swimming Crab 675 29.7 67 23.1 Squilla empusa Mantis Shrimp 671 6.3 53 18.3 Portunus gibbesii Iridescent Swimming Crab 388 3.1 61 21 Raninoides louisianensis Gulf Frog Crab 357 2.6 26 9 Anasimus latus Stilt Spider Crab 350 2 34 11.7 Solenocera vioscai Humpback Shrimp 343 1.9 25 8.6 Squilla chydaea 332 2.1 33 11.4 Portunus ordwayi Redhair Swimming Crab 272 2.2 19 6.6 Metapenaeopsis goodei Caribbean Velvet Shrimp 271 0.4 32 11 Solenocera atlantidis Dwarf Humpback Shrimp 235 0.6 24 8.3 Scyllarus chacei Chace Slipper Lobster 184 0.7 33 11.4 Stenorhynchus seticornis Yellowline Arrow Crab 166 0.6 41 14.1 Scyllarides nodifer Ridged Slipper Lobster 92 21.5 27 9.3 Rimapenaeus constrictus Roughneck Shrimp 90 0.2 16 5.5 Calappa sulcata Yellow Box Crab 78 13.3 33 11.4

48 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Iliacantha liodactylus 72 0.4 13 4.5 Sicyonia dorsalis Lesser Rock Shrimp 71 0.2 10 3.4 Rimapenaeus similis Roughback Shrimp 62 0.2 18 6.2 Libinia emarginata Portly Spider Crab 43 0.5 7 2.4 Portunus 40 0.5 2 0.7 Leiolambrus nitidus White Elbow Crab 37 0.1 18 6.2 Squilla rugosa 36 0.3 7 2.4 Pseudorhombila quadridentata Flecked Squareback Crab 33 0.2 10 3.4 Stenocionops furcatus Furcate Spider Crab 26 0.3 15 5.2 Callinectes sapidus Blue Crab 22 3.6 14 4.8 Paguristes sericeus Blue-eye Hermit 21 0 12 4.1 Petrochirus diogenes Giant Hermit 20 0.2 14 4.8 Macrocoeloma trispinosum Spongy Decorator Crab 18 0.2 9 3.1 Cryptodromiopsis antillensis Decorator Crab 18 0.1 11 3.8 Calappa flammea Flame Box Crab 17 2.7 9 3.1 Hepatus epheliticus Calico Box Crab 17 0.6 8 2.8 Solenoceridae Solenocerid Shrimps 14 0 1 0.3 Mesopenaeus tropicalis Salmon Shrimp 13 0 3 1 Euphrosynoplax clausa Craggy Bathyal Crab 13 0.1 7 2.4 Myropsis quinquespinosa Fivespine Purse Crab 13 0.1 7 2.4 Squilla deceptrix 13 0 5 1.7 Stenocionops spinimanus Prickly Spider Crab 12 0.1 3 1 Sicyonia parri 12 0 3 1 Mithrax 12 0 3 1 Sicyonia typica Kinglet Rock Shrimp 12 0.1 2 0.7 Dardanus fucosus Bareye Hermit 12 0 10 3.4 Scyllaridae Slipper Lobsters 11 0.1 1 0.3 Plesionika longicauda 11 0 3 1 Pilumnus sayi Spineback Hairy Crab 11 0 8 2.8 Persephona crinita Pink Purse Crab 10 0 7 2.4 Pseudomedaeus agassizii Rough Rubble Crab 10 0 5 1.7

49 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Leiolambrus granulosus 10 0 7 2.4 Platylambrus granulata Bladetooth Elbow Crab 10 0 7 2.4 Scyllarus depressus Scaled Slipper Lobster 9 0 3 1 Pagurus pollicaris Flatclaw Hermit 9 0 3 1 Pagurus bullisi 9 0 4 1.4 Ovalipes floridanus Florida Lady Crab 8 0.6 3 1 Panulirus argus Caribbean Spiny Lobster 7 7.7 5 1.7 Mithraculus forceps Red-ridged Clinging Crab 7 0 4 1.4 Stenorhynchus 6 0 4 1.4 Mithrax pleuracanthus Shaggy Clinging Crab 6 0 3 1 Paguristes 5 0 3 1 Munida 5 0 2 0.7 Petrolisthes galathinus Banded Porcelain Crab 5 0 3 1 Squilla 4 0 1 0.3 Paguristes triangulatus 4 0 3 1 Sicyonia burkenroadi Spiny Rock Shrimp 4 0 2 0.7 Palicus affinis Antillean Stilt Crab 4 0 2 0.7 Persephona mediterranea Mottled Purse Crab 4 0 4 1.4 Palicus alternata 4 0 1 0.3 Nephropsis aculeata Florida Lobsterette 4 0 1 0.3 Parthenope agona Yellow Elbow Crab 4 0 4 1.4 Munida pusilla 3 0 2 0.7 Parapenaeus politus Deep-water Rose Shrimp 3 0 2 0.7 Speocarcinus lobatus Gulf Squareback Crab 3 0 1 0.3 Dardanus insignis Red Brocade Hermit 3 0 2 0.7 Porcellana sayana Spotted Porcelain Crab 3 0 2 0.7 Portunus sayi Sargassum Swimming Crab 3 0.2 1 0.3 Menippe mercenaria Florida Stone Crab 3 0.3 1 0.3 Callinectes ornatus Shelligs 3 0.1 3 1 Porcellana sigsbeiana Striped Porcelain Crab 3 0 2 0.7 Diogenidae Left-handed Hermit Crabs 2 0 2 0.7

50 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Mithrax hispidus Coral Clinging Crab 2 0 2 0.7 Stenocionops 2 0 1 0.3 Gibbesia neglecta 2 0 1 0.3 Iliacantha subglobosa Longfinger Purse Crab 2 0 2 0.7 Acanthilia intermedia Granulose Purse Crab 2 0 1 0.3 Raninoides loevis Furrowed Frog Crab 2 0 2 0.7 Frevillea 2 0 2 0.7 Alpheus 2 0 1 0.3 Munida forceps 2 0 1 0.3 Stenopus scutellatus Golden Coral Shrimp 2 0 2 0.7 Euchirograpsus americanus American Talon Crab 2 0 2 0.7 Danielum ixbauchac 2 0 1 0.3 Xanthidae Mud Crabs 2 0 1 0.3 Parasquilla meridionalis 1 0 1 0.3 Scyllarus 1 0 1 0.3 Manucomplanus ungulatus 1 0 1 0.3 Nemausa acuticornis Sharphorn Clinging Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Iliacantha sparsa Shouldered Purse Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Synalpheus minus Minor Snapping Shrimp 1 0 1 0.3 Hypoconcha arcuata Granulate Shellback Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Petrochirus 1 0 1 0.3 Alpheus floridanus Sand Snapping Shrimp 1 0 1 0.3 Callidactylus asper Spurfinger Purse Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Upogebia affinis Coastal Mud Shrimp 1 0 1 0.3 Galathea rostrata 1 0 1 0.3 Lysmata 1 0 1 0.3 Lobopilumnus agassizii Areolated Hairy Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Synalpheus 1 0 1 0.3 Calappa 1 0 1 0.3 Lysiosquilla scabricauda 1 0.1 1 0.3

51 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Panopeus occidentalis Furrowed Mud Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Gonodactylus 1 0 1 0.3 Gonodactylus torus 1 0 1 0.3 Trachypenaeopsis mobilispinis 1 0 1 0.3 Dardanus venosus Stareye Hermit 1 0 1 0.3 Portunus depressifrons Flatface Swimming Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Squilla edentata 1 0 1 0.3 Podochela sidneyi Shortfinger Neck Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Coelocerus spinosus Channelnose Spider Crab 1 0.4 1 0.3 Pilumnus dasypodus Shortspine Hairy Crab 1 0 1 0.3 Palicus obesus Inflated Stilt Crab 1 0 1 0.3

Others

Amusium papyraceum Paper Scallop 5533 66.3 58 20 Loligo 1277 25.3 92 31.7 Loligo pealeii Longfin Inshore Squid 968 32.2 101 34.8 Oliva sayana Lettered Olive 492 4.5 2 0.7 Pitar cordatus Corded Pitar 416 8.2 33 11.4 Lolliguncula brevis Atlantic Brief Squid 140 1.2 29 10 Anadara baughmani Skewed Ark 139 2.4 16 5.5 Polystira albida White Giant-turris 138 1.2 15 5.2 Aplysia 65 28.8 3 1 Polystira tellea Delicate Giant-turris 54 0.6 4 1.4 Anadara transversa Transverse Ark 53 2.6 5 1.7 Euvola raveneli Round-rib Scallop 49 0.2 16 5.5 Conus austini 34 0.4 8 2.8 Lirophora clenchi Clench Venus 32 0.5 10 3.4 Sconsia striata Royal Bonnet 31 0.5 7 2.4 Tonna galea Giant Tun 18 3.4 11 3.8 Argopecten gibbus Atlantic Calico Scallop 16 0.1 9 3.1

52 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Laevicardium mortoni Yellow Eggcockle 15 0.8 6 2.1 Atrina serrata Sawtooth Penshell 14 2 5 1.7 Distorsio clathrata Atlantic Distorsio 12 0.1 6 2.1 Octopus vulgaris Common Octopus 12 1.5 7 2.4 Octopus joubini Atlantic Pygmy Octopus 9 0.5 8 2.8 Hexaplex fulvescens Giant Eastern Murex 7 0.1 5 1.7 Narcissia trigonaria 7 0.6 4 1.4 Aequipecten glyptus Red-ribbed Scallop 6 0.1 2 0.7 Chicoreus florifer 5 0.1 4 1.4 Pecten tereinus 5 0 2 0.7 Macoma brevifrons Short Macoma 5 0.1 1 0.3 Pitar 4 0.1 1 0.3 Fasciolaria lilium hunteria Banded Tulip 4 0 2 0.7 Lima scabra Rough Fileclam 4 0 1 0.3 Stramonita haemastoma Florida Rocksnail 4 0 3 1 Arcinella cornuta Florida Spiny Jewelbox 4 0 1 0.3 Phyllonotum pomum 3 0.1 1 0.3 Macoma pulleyi Delta Macoma 3 0 2 0.7 Octopus briareus Caribbean Reef Octopus 3 0.7 2 0.7 Xenophora caribaea Caribbean Carriersnail 3 0 1 0.3 Crepidula maculosa Spotted Slippersnail 3 0 1 0.3 Lindapecten muscosus Rough Scallop 3 0 2 0.7 Busycon candelabrum Splendid Whelk 2 0 1 0.3 Busycon sinistrum Lightning Whelk 2 1.4 2 0.7 Arca zebra Turkey Wing 2 0.2 1 0.3 Cypraea cinera 2 0 1 0.3 Cassis madagascariensis Cameo Helmet 2 4 2 0.7 Macrocallista maculata Calico Clam 2 0 1 0.3 Nudibranchia Nudibranchs 2 0 1 0.3 Ficus communis Atlantic Figsnail 2 0.1 2 0.7 Ostrea 2 0 1 0.3

53 Table 3. Species composition list (continued)

NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL WEIGHT TOWS WHERE % FREQUENCY GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT CAUGHT (KG) CAUGHT OCCURRENCE Nodipecten nodosus Lions-paw Scallop 2 0.2 1 0.3 Anadara brasiliana Incongruous Ark 1 0 1 0.3 Lolliguncula 1 0 1 0.3 Laevicardium laevigatum Eggcockle 1 0 1 0.3 Neverita duplicata Shark Eye 1 0 1 0.3 Latirus infundibulum Brown-line Latirus 1 0 1 0.3 Pododesmus 1 0.1 1 0.3 Spondylus 1 0.2 1 0.3 Nodipecten 1 0.4 1 0.3 Modiolus americanus American Horsemussel 1 0.1 1 0.3 Notaspidea 1 0 1 0.3 Conus amphiurgus 1 0 1 0.3 Strombus alatus Florida Fighting Conch 1 0.1 1 0.3 Lima pellucida Antillean Fileclam 1 0 1 0.3 Astrea phoebia 1 0 1 0.3 Fasciolaria tulipa True Tulip 1 0.4 1 0.3 Spondylus americanus Atlantic Thorny Oyster 1 0.4 1 0.3 Octopus 1 0 1 0.3 Cypraea 1 0 1 0.3 Fusinus couei Yucatan Spindle 1 0 1 0.3 Amaea 1 0 1 0.3 Anadara ovalis Blood Ark 1 0 1 0.3 Euvola 1 0 1 0.3 Fasciolaria papillosa 1 0.1 1 0.3 Coralliophaga coralliophaga Coralclam 1 0 1 0.3 Arca imbricata Mossy Ark 1 0.1 1 0.3 Busycon perversum 1 0 1 0.3

54 Table 4. 2017 Bottom Longline Survey species composition list. Species with no weight recorded were too large to measure.

TOTAL TOTAL NUMBER NUMBER TOTAL GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT WEIGHED WEIGHT

Finfishes

Bagre marinus Gafftopsail Catfish 951 862 1176.16 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic Sharpnose Shark 638 501 1406.19 Carcharhinus limbatus Blacktip Shark 598 462 6388.09 Sciaenops ocellatus Red Drum 316 296 2518.41 Carcharhinus leucas Bull Shark 194 112 3733.95 Dasyatis americana Southern Stingray 122 37 1815.98 Carcharhinus brevipinna 92 82 260.15 Ariopsis felis Hardhead Catfish 43 41 19.7 Carcharhinus isodon Finetooth Shark 35 32 231.13 Carcharhinus acronotus Blacknose Shark 32 30 322.6 Pogonias cromis Black Drum 15 13 121.6 Rhinoptera bonasus Cownose Ray 9 0 Sphyrna mokarran Great Hammerhead 6 2 31.6 Sphyrna tiburo Bonnethead 6 5 14.82 Caranx hippos Crevalle Jack 4 3 24.9 Negaprion brevirostris Lemon Shark 3 2 85.85 Caretta caretta Loggerhead 2 1 56.4 Lepidochelys kempii Atlantic Ridley 2 1 14.8 Rhinoptera Cownosed Rays 2 0 Echeneis naucrates Sharksucker 1 1 0.7 Lagocephalus laevigatus Smooth Puffer 1 1 2.2 Sphyrna lewini Scalloped Hammerhead 1 1 0.73 Galeocerdo cuvier Tiger Shark 1 0 Ophichthus rex King Eel 1 1 0.4 Carcharhinidae Requiem Sharks 1 0 Remora remora Common Remora 1 1 0.9 Carcharhinus plumbeus Sandbar Shark 1 1 4.8 Rachycentron canadum Cobia 1 1 1.8

55 Table 4. Species composition list (continued)

TOTAL TOTAL NUMBER NUMBER TOTAL GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT WEIGHED WEIGHT Dasyatis centroura Clam Cracker 1 1 94

56 Table 5. 2017 Vertical Line Survey species composition list. Species with no weight recorded were too large to measure.

TOTAL TOTAL NUMBER NUMBER TOTAL GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT WEIGHED WEIGHT

Finfishes

Lutjanus campechanus Red Snapper 872 865 1397.59 Rhomboplites aurorubens Vermilion Snapper 31 31 15.34 Pagrus pagrus Red Porgy 17 17 17.59 Carcharhinus falciformis Silky Shark 15 14 64.4 Balistes capriscus Gray Triggerfish 15 15 29.71 Ariopsis felis Hardhead Catfish 5 3 1.3 Seriola dumerili Greater Amberjack 4 4 40.3 Sciaenops ocellatus Red Drum 4 4 21.56 Mycteroperca phenax Scamp 4 4 6.43 Caranx crysos Blue Runner 4 4 2.97 Cynoscion arenarius Sand Seatrout 3 3 1.35 Pristipomoides aquilonaris Wenchman 3 3 0.41 Lutjanus synagris Lane Snapper 3 3 1.57 Epinephelus flavolimbatus Yellowedge Grouper 2 2 5.54 Seriola rivoliana Almaco Jack 2 2 7 Remora remora Common Remora 1 1 1 Lutjanus buccanella Blackfin Snapper 1 1 2.11 Euthynnus alletteratus False Albacore 1 1 6.38 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic Sharpnose Shark 1 0 Caretta caretta Loggerhead 1 0 Selene setapinnis Atlantic Moonfish 1 1 0.45 Rachycentron canadum Cobia 1 1 7.66 Calamus leucosteus Whitebone Porgy 1 1 0.79 Carcharhinus limbatus Blacktip Shark 1 0 Mycteroperca microlepis Gag 1 1 5.84 Scomber colias Chub Mackerel 1 1 0.15 Caranx hippos Crevalle Jack 1 1 0.44

57 Table 5. Species composition list (continued)

TOTAL TOTAL NUMBER NUMBER TOTAL GENUS/SPECIES COMMON NAME CAUGHT WEIGHED WEIGHT Sphyraena guachancho Guaguanche 1 1 0.45

58

Figure 1. Statistical zones for shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico.

59

Figure 2. Locations of plankton and environmental stations during the 2017 Spring Plankton Survey.

60

Figure 3. Locations of stations during the 2017 Fall Plankton Survey.

61

Figure 4. Locations of stations during the 2017 Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey.

62

Figure 5. Locations of stations during the 2017 Fall Shrimp/Groundfish Survey.

63

Figure 6. Locations of stations during the 2017 Reef Fish Survey.

64

Figure 7. Locations of stations during the 2017 Bottom Longline Survey.

65

Figure 8. Locations of stations during the 2017 Vertical Line Survey.

66